Joe Marler has announced his return to the pitch — but this time, it’s not about trophies or test caps.
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The England prop, who hung up his boots last year and is currently starring on The Traitors, will return to the pitch for The 745 Game, a special charity fixture raising awareness and funds for Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
The 745 Game is more than a match — it’s a statement of unity, courage, and hope. Every number tells a story:
#7 for Rob Burrow, #4 for Ed Slater, and #5 for Doddie Weir — three legends whose bravery in the face of Motor Neurone Disease (MND) has inspired the rugby world.
Their legacy fuels this fixture — a living tribute to their fight and to Rob’s dream of a world where MND no longer exists.
Adding to the emotion surrounding this year’s event is the recent news that Lewis Moody has been diagnosed with MND in the past few weeks. His courage and positivity have already united the rugby community once more, strengthening the mission that The 745 Game represents.
Born from the desire to raise awareness and vital funds for MND, The 745 Game brings together the rugby family each year. It’s a celebration of sport, solidarity, and the power of collective action — where icons from Rugby Union and Rugby League join forces for something far bigger than the game itself.
2025 Details
Fans can look forward to a day packed with world-class rugby, unforgettable moments, and the trademark Kingsholm passion. Gloucester’s historic ground will once again provide the perfect backdrop for this extraordinary fixture.
Confirmed for the Union side in 2025: Jim Hamilton, Guy Thompson Mike Tindall, Billy Twelvetrees, Joe Marler, and brothers Ben and Tom Youngs.
The 745 Game — where rugby plays for a cause.
Best Rugby Scrummagers Of All-Time (Ranked 15-1)
Scrummaging is the cornerstone of forward play in rugby, and throughout history, certain props have set the standard for dominance, technique, and consistency.
Here’s a ranked list of the 15 best scrummaging props in rugby history, featuring detailed stats and achievements.
Best Rugby Scrummagers of All Time (Ranked 15–1)
15. Tadhg Furlong (Ireland)
Stats:
Position: Tighthead Prop
Height: 1.83m
Weight: 125kg
Club: Leinster
International Caps: 79
British & Irish Lions Tours: 2017, 2021, 2025
Achievements: Six Nations Grand Slams (2018, 2023), European Champions Cup (2018, 2021), World Rugby Dream Team selection.
Bio:
Furlong blends power, agility, and scrummaging finesse. A cornerstone of Ireland’s set-piece dominance, he is renowned for his ability to disrupt opponents’ scrums and his sharp ball-handling skills. His humility and rugby intelligence make him one of the most respected props in the game.
14. Jason Leonard (England)
Stats:
Position: Tighthead Prop
Height: 1.83m
Weight: 120kg
Club: Harlequins
International Caps: 114
Achievements: 2003 Rugby World Cup winner, England’s most-capped forward at retirement.
Bio:
Leonard’s career spanned 15 years, defined by his technical mastery and unyielding consistency. A scrummaging stalwart for England, his leadership and durability cemented him as one of the sport’s greats.
13. Martin Castrogiovanni (Italy)
Stats:
Position: Tighthead Prop
Height: 1.83m
Weight: 125kg
Club: Leicester Tigers
International Caps: 119
Achievements: Key player for Italy, multiple European club successes with Leicester.
Bio:
Castri’s fiery passion and physical dominance transformed Italy’s scrummaging reputation. Known for his commitment and technical excellence, he remains a symbol of resilience and determination.
12. Marcos Ayerza (Argentina)
Stats:
Position: Loosehead Prop
Height: 1.83m
Weight: 118kg
Club: Leicester Tigers
International Caps: 43
Achievements: Crucial for Argentina at the 2015 Rugby World Cup, leader in scrummaging technique.
Bio:
Ayerza combined technical precision with relentless endurance. His work rate and scrummaging power established him as a key figure for both Argentina and Leicester Tigers.
11. Joe Marler (England)
Stats:
Position: Loosehead Prop
Height: 1.85m
Weight: 120kg
Club: Harlequins
International Caps: 83+
British & Irish Lions Tours: 2013, 2017
Achievements: Six Nations Championships (2016, 2017, 2020), Rugby World Cup runner-up (2019), Premiership Rugby title with Harlequins (2021).
Bio:
Joe Marler is one of England’s most formidable scrummagers of the modern era. Renowned for his physical strength, uncompromising technique, and fierce competitiveness, Marler has anchored England’s front row for over a decade. Beyond scrummaging, he’s known for his vibrant personality and leadership within the squad. His durability and ability to perform under pressure make him a standout loosehead prop of his generation.
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