England prop Dan Cole says he was shocked by the timing of Joe Marler’s retirement from worldwide rugby as a result of “his shut buddy” was closing in on 100 caps.
Marler, 34, fought again from breaking his foot towards New Zealand in July to make England’s Autumn Nations Collection squad.
However the Harlequins prop withdrew for private causes final week earlier than saying his retirement on Sunday, ending his England profession with 95 caps.
“Did I feel he would go final Sunday? No,” Cole mentioned.
“However we each knew ultimately, the older we’re getting, it was coming sooner or later.
“I assumed a part of him needed 100 caps however sadly he damage his foot in that New Zealand Check.
“The great factor is he has gone out on his personal phrases, so he is alive, properly and wholesome.”
Regardless of not that includes in Saturday’s opening defeat by the All Blacks,, Marler made headlines by saying the New Zealand haka was “ridiculous” and desires “binning”.
In his England retirement assertion on social media, Marler revealed how Cole was the primary team-mate he informed, that the pair hugged and exchanged an “I really like you” earlier than Marler mentioned “I’m carried out”.
Cole, 37, mentioned he was lacking his “good buddy” in camp, however added the squad wanted to “maintain transferring ahead”.
The Leicester participant informed BBC Sport: “It was nice, having a detailed buddy within the crew.
“We got here from totally different backgrounds and are totally different folks with regard to how quiet I’m, with Joe the alternative.
“Now we have related values, rugby-wise and off the sphere, which is why we have now turn out to be buddies.
“I’ve realized rather a lot from him – that it’s OK to have a character and provide an opinion, and never assume an excessive amount of concerning the penalties of what you’re doing, and I hope he has perhaps realized one thing like self-control from me.”