Joe Marler Joins Gladiators as Mauler, Notable Rugby Players on Show

Joe Marler has recently joined the cast of BBC One’s hit show Gladiators as Mauler, becoming the latest addition to a lineup of elite athletes. Marler, who gained fame as a surprising breakout star on The Celebrity Traitors last autumn, will not follow the path of former rugby players like Matt Dawson, Gavin Henson, and Ugo Monye, who participated in Strictly Come Dancing. Instead, Marler will showcase his strength and skills in the Gladiators arena.

The producers have touted Marler as the "first-ever Celebrity Gladiator," hoping his unique sense of humor will resonate with audiences and make him as memorable as the show’s iconic pantomime villain, Legend. Marler's background as a former rugby player sets him up well for events such as Powerball and The Ring, which emphasize hard tackling and tactics.

Gladiators has a historical connection to the sport of rugby, with several former players making their mark on the show. For instance, Jeremy Guscott, who played for Bath, England, and the British & Irish Lions, wasn’t a Gladiator himself but co-hosted the original UK version alongside Ulrika Jonsson.

Zoe Williams, known as Amazon in Gladiators, had a successful rugby career before transitioning to television. She competed at high levels in the North-East and has appeared on programs like BBC’s Trust Me, I’m A Doctor.

Jodie Ounsley, who became the popular Gladiator Fury, represented England in Sevens and played for Exeter Chiefs before retiring at the end of the 2023-24 season. Apart from rugby, she is a former British Brazilian jiu-jitsu champion and advocates for the deaf community, having had a cochlear implant since infancy.

Alex Gray, who played as Apollo, has an impressive rugby background, having captained England at under-16, under-18, and under-20 levels. He participated in the International Player Pathway program and spent three years on the Atlanta Falcons practice squad before returning to rugby with Bath, where he played as a wing until he departed in 2021.

Through their involvement, these former rugby players highlight the enduring connection between the two worlds, showcasing their athletic skills in a completely different arena.