Walking down the main corridor, you
may come across the board of exceptional sportsmen and women who have studied
here at Heathfield Community College in the past. One of these has recently made it on the
biggest stage in the world of Rugby Union, representing England at Twickenham.
Joseph Marler was born in Eastbourne in 1990 and studied
here at Heathfield in his youth. Now an England regular, Marler is a name spoken
of with pride and excitement around the college.
Joe is a local lad around these parts, starting his rugby
career at Eastbourne RFC. He was scouted and signed up at Harlequins at the age
of 18, and has gone on to represent England at U20 level, after showing real promise
in the under 20 six nations.
Joe finally made his England debut in South Africa
in two test matches in 2012 in the loose-head prop position. He then made his
Twickenham debut in the opening six nations match versus Scotland earlier this
year. Since then Joe has represented
Harlequins 84 times and his country, 12.
Whilst he studied
here at Heathfield, Joe was popular for not just his sporting achievements but
for his larger than life character. Current teachers at the school who taught
Joe only have words of praise to describe him. Miss Savage (English) comments, "Joe was full of laughter and very popular among his peers. He was well-liked
by everyone who met him”.
We are all
very impressed with the sporting success that Joe has achieved since leaving
the college and are proud of his achievements. I personally look forward to
seeing him take to the field at Twickenham once again.