Joe Marler enjoys England’s freedom of expression under Steve Borthwick

‘There has been a huge difference in terms of how a lot of the group have felt, who they can be and how they can behave,’ says Joe Marler. Photograph: Dan Mullan/Getty Images

There are few players past or present better placed to pass judgment on whether there is room in English rugby for free spirits, whether individualism can thrive in a sport with such a team ethos, than Joe Marler.

The veteran prop once turned up to an England camp sporting a red mohawk and rat’s tail for good measure – “I looked horrific” – and was asked promptly by Martin Johnson, head coach at the time, whether he would be getting a haircut. He did not, and was released the next day – though Andrew Sheridan’s return to fitness probably had more to do with it.