England's Marler to miss Australia clash after Covid test

Wed, Nov 10, 2021, 12:45 AM
AFP
by AFP
Wallabies scrumhalf Nic White and lock Izack Rodda have spoken to media via Zoom from London.

England prop Joe Marler will miss the Autumn Nations Series clash against Australia on Saturday after testing positive for Covid-19.

Marler, 31, started a 10-day isolation period on Monday when lateral flow and PCR tests confirmed he had contracted the virus.

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The Harlequins star played 14 minutes as a replacement in England's 69-3 victory over Tonga on Saturday.

"Joe Marler has tested positive for COVID and will be unavailable for selection for England for this weekend's Test match against Australia," an English Rugby Union statement said.   

"After returning a positive lateral flow test on Monday evening, he immediately went into isolation."  

Marler will now isolate for ten days, following government guidelines.

In response to Marler's positive, all of the England players and staff have undergone additional testing and the results are awaited.

Eddie Jones' squad trained on Tuesday as they continue their preparations for the Australia match.

England host the Wallabies at Twickenham this weekend before entertaining South Africa on November 20 in their last Autumn Series match.

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