Jones denies Marler's England career is over
Eddie Jones says Joe Marler's decision to withdraw from England's Six Nations squad does not mean his Test career is over.
Marler on Tuesday (AEDT) revealed he has opted against playing in the upcoming tournament so he can remain with his family during the coronavirus pandemic.
He tweeted: "Always grateful for the opportunity so not an easy decision, but want to do right by my family in these crazy times and won't be meeting up with the squad for this tournament. Look forward to watching the team rip in. Go well."
Marler announced his international retirement in 2018 in order to spend more time with his family but has gone on to take his tally of caps to 72 after reversing that decision.
England head coach Jones said the 30-year-old Harlequins prop, who also made himself unavailable for the tour of Australia in 2016 as he needed a rest, will be considered when he is ready to play for his country again.
"Joe has made a decision that we 100 per cent support," Jones said at the 2021 virtual Six Nations launch.
"When he decides to make himself available again we will have another look at selection. And that's how we look at it - 100 per cent. No ifs or buts, it's as clear as day.
"There will be some time in the future when he's ready to come back and will get selected. We'll take that when it comes.
"Joe has been an outstanding player during my time with England and I'm sure he was outstanding before that.
"He is tough, abrasive, a good defender, a great guy off the field. He's a bit nutty, but we like that, it's good to have characters like that in the squad."
England has also lost Sam Underhill (hip) and Joe Launchbury (fibula stress fracture) for the defence of their title, which they start against Scotland at Twickenham a week on Saturday.
