Joe Marler has urged the British and Irish Lions to add a specialist counsellor to their touring party for South Africa to help players and staff cope with an extended spell in their bubble environment. Warren Gatland has highlighted the importance of looking after the players’ wellbeing and Marler, who was overlooked for the tour, believes a squad therapist would be invaluable. I think that would be a very good idea," said Marler, a Lions tourist in 2017. "Lions tours are tough enough as they are, being away from your families, but this one is in particular. Marler has praised the responses of England head coach Eddie Jones and former Harlequins head of rugby Paul Gustard when discussing his mental health struggle with them.

Source: News 24 May 10, 2021 18:45 UTC