Dan Cole on Marler’s Retirement, England’s New Talent, and the Path Forward

Dan Cole, England’s veteran prop, recently revealed his reaction to Joe Marler’s retirement from international rugby, an announcement he was the first to hear. As Marler’s close friend and longtime roommate, Cole was understanding of his decision but also taken aback. “He explained his reasons, and I thought: ‘Who am I going to room with now, Joe!? You’ve stitched me up here!’” he quipped. This lighthearted reaction underscores their bond as teammates and friends, built over years of shared experiences on and off the field. With Marler no longer part of the squad, Cole’s new roommate will be George Ford, while 20-year-old Asher Opoku-Fordjour from Sale takes Marler’s place in the squad.

Opoku-Fordjour’s selection represents more than just a replacement; it symbolizes a generational shift in England’s team. His arrival signals a new phase for the squad, introducing youthful energy and fresh talent. Although Cole will miss Marler’s companionship, he recognizes the need for renewal and change within the team. As someone approaching the later stages of his career at 37, Cole often reflects on whether he still belongs at this level, yet he remains driven by his passion for the sport and his commitment to the team.

The inclusion of Opoku-Fordjour, a dynamic player who can perform as both a loosehead and a tighthead prop, brings an added layer of versatility. England sees him primarily as a loosehead, while Sale initially positioned him as a tighthead, though they acknowledge his flexibility. This adaptability is something Cole values deeply, as he recalls a time when it was common for props to be capable of switching sides. Back then, props were often expected to cover both positions if needed, a flexibility that today’s players sometimes lack.

Cole likened the challenges of switching between loosehead and tighthead positions to “wiping your arse with your left hand,” humorously highlighting the difficulty of adapting to the different requirements of each role. He strongly encourages young players, like Opoku-Fordjour, to embrace the learning curve of playing both sides rather than specializing too soon. “Having some basic understanding of how to play loosehead can help you play tighthead,” he explained. For Cole, learning to navigate both positions provides a more comprehensive understanding of the game, benefiting players who are flexible enough to adapt based on the team’s needs.

Opoku-Fordjour’s inclusion is a natural next step, given his impressive performances in the Premiership. Still, Cole cautions against moving young players into the international spotlight too quickly. He acknowledges the substantial gap between club-level and international rugby, particularly for front-row players who face a heightened level of physicality and skill from elite teams. As Cole observes, “There’s a leap between the Premiership and international rugby.” This leap becomes especially evident when facing dominant scrums from teams like South Africa, where strength, resilience, and a nuanced understanding of the game are essential for competing effectively. Cole worries that if promising young players are pushed into high-pressure international matches too soon, they risk losing confidence after early setbacks, which could hinder their development.

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Cole believes that transitioning gradually to international play allows players to develop the maturity, resilience, and understanding necessary for sustained success. “The easy thing is, you can always play 20-year-olds,” he explained, “but if you lose games and players lose confidence, it’s not really good for anyone.” This sentiment reflects his belief that nurturing young talent goes beyond just putting them in the game; it requires careful management to ensure their skills are honed without damaging their confidence. By balancing experienced players like himself with up-and-coming talents such as Opoku-Fordjour, England can cultivate a team capable of competing at the highest levels, while also ensuring long-term player growth.

Reflecting on England’s recent defeat to New Zealand, Cole expressed a preference for closely contested games over one-sided losses. He explained that while the recent loss was painful, he would rather face a narrow defeat decided by a final kick than a blowout that leaves no chance for recovery. This perspective underscores his resilience and belief in the team’s potential. For Cole, these close games, while challenging, offer valuable insights and experiences that will serve the team in future contests. He remains confident that with continued effort and commitment to their training regimen, England will eventually turn these narrow losses into victories.

Cole has a personal stake in England’s success as he navigates the later stages of his career. Watching Marler’s recent retirement at a similar age prompts reflections on his own future in the game. Marler’s decision was partly influenced by a foot injury sustained during the summer Test against New Zealand, a setback that prevented him from reaching his 100th cap this year. Cole suspects that this milestone might have been significant for Marler, but his injury forced him to reassess his priorities and ultimately step away from the international stage.

The departure of veteran players like Marler signifies a broader transition within the team, making way for younger players who can carry England forward. Cole, though nostalgic about his longtime teammate’s exit, understands the necessity of such changes. He takes pride in the opportunity to mentor rising talents like Opoku-Fordjour, Afo Fasogbon of Gloucester, and Billy Sela of Bath, who are expected to join the senior ranks in the near future. These players represent a new era for English rugby, and Cole believes that with the right guidance, they can reach their potential without losing sight of the basics that underpin effective play.

For Cole, a well-rounded skill set is key to building a successful team. He encourages young players to focus not only on individual achievements but on contributing to the team as a whole. Opoku-Fordjour, for example, is known for his ability to get involved in open play, consistently looking for opportunities to carry the ball and make impactful tackles. Cole sees this proactive approach as essential, as it reflects a willingness to adapt and engage in all aspects of the game rather than simply sticking to positional duties. This versatility, paired with England’s structured support system, enables players to leverage their strengths in a way that complements the team’s strategy.

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Looking ahead to England’s next challenge against Australia, Cole remains optimistic. Though they face formidable opponents, he believes that the team’s preparation and focus will eventually yield the results they are striving for. After the close loss to New Zealand, he is determined to help push England past the narrow-margin games that have been a hurdle in recent years. Cole’s confidence stems from the faith he has in England’s evolving squad and coaching staff, who have invested significant time and effort into refining their approach.

Cole’s journey with England, now marked by both personal triumphs and challenges, reflects a career defined by resilience, adaptability, and commitment to the team’s success. As he watches younger players like Opoku-Fordjour step up, he sees himself not only as a player but as a mentor. His experiences, insights, and mentorship will be vital for the next generation of England players as they navigate their own path to success. By blending seasoned veterans with emerging talent, England’s rugby future looks promising, with the potential to turn these challenging moments into the building blocks of sustained excellence on the world stage.