Rugby-Revived Marler reaps benefit of risky self-imposed hiatus

Feb 22 ( Reuters) - England prop Joe Marler is reaping the benefits of his self-imposed exile from international rugby at the end of last season with the forward admitting the risky decision helped revive his love for the sport.

Marler ruled himself out of a home test against Wales in May and the subsequent tour of Australia the following month at the end of a taxing season marred by a pair of bans for high-profile transgressions.

The 26-year-old, who said he needed the break to recharge his batteries, was sanctioned last April for calling Wales forward Samson Lee " gypsy boy" in a Six Nations game and for kicking an opponent in the head in a Challenge Cup match.

"I didn't know how it was going to pan out but at that point I didn't care," Marler told British media ahead of England's Six Nations clash with Italy at Twickenham on Sunday.

"I had to make that judgment knowing I may not get back in the squad again. As well as (coach) Eddie Jones took it, there was always a chance.

"It helped stepping away from rugby a little bit. Making more effort with my family and realising that is my number one priority and the thing I enjoy most has also helped me on the field. Doing less is more in that regard."

Marler added that England's enthralling last-gasp 21-16 win over Wales in their last match had lifted the entire squad, but said Italy would also offer a stern test.

"It's up there with one of my favourite wins," he added of England's 16th consecutive victory.

"It was a good performance and a proper test match. Credit to Wales, that was the best they'd played in a while. It took a lot for us to get the win." (Writing by Simon Jennings in Bengaluru; Editing by John O'Brien)