Retiring Marler starts final game for Harlequins

Image source, Getty Images

Image caption, Joe Marler starts his final professional game for Harlequins against Bristol Bears at Twickenham Stoop on Friday

Harlequins prop Joe Marler will start against Bristol Bears in his final match before retiring from professional rugby.

The 34-year-old announced yesterday he was bringing an end to his 15-year career in which he won the Six Nations three times with England and two Premiership titles with Quins.

His last game will be against Bristol at Twickenham Stoop in the Premiership on Friday night.

Marler will line up next to hooker Jack Walker and Simon Kerrod in the front row in his final appearance.

Captain Alex Dombrandt and Cadan Murley go straight into the team after returning from England duty, with Fin Baxter on the bench.

While Marcus Smith and Chandler Cunningham-South are not in the squad.

Scrum-half Will Porter, full-back Tyrone Green and flanker Will Evans also start, having signed new contracts during the autumn international break.

Harlequins team to face Bristol: Green; Isgro, Beard, Northmore, Murley; J Evans, Porter; Marler, Walker, Kerrod; Herbst, Lamb; Kenningham, W Evans, Dombrandt