ENGLAND prop Joe Marler is considering quitting professional rugby, according to reports.

The 29-year-old has received a fiery backlash after the incident earlier this month in which he grabbed Alun Wyn Jones' testicles during the Six Nations clash with Wales.

And after being slapped with a ten-match ban, Marler is considering walking away from the sport for good.

According to the Mail, the fall-out from the incident has seen him grow disillusioned with the game.

The wave of abuse directed at him in the aftermath of the match lead to him deactivating his Twitter and Instagram accounts.

And it has left him questioning his desire to play.

He still has a year remaining on his contract at Premiership side Harlequins.

But he has not joined up with his club again following the premature end to the Six Nations.

Like everybody else in the UK, Marler is currently in lockdown because of the coronavirus pandemic.

And spending the extra time at home with his family has only strengthened the idea that he may be happier away from the limelight of the sport.

Marler has stepped away from international rugby once before.

Having questioned his own desire back in 2018, he stepped away from his England duties.

But he couldn't resist returning before last year's World Cup in Japan.

The imposing 6ft player has made 66 appearances for his country, having made his debut back in 2012.

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