Imagine waking up in the dead of night, only to find yourself the star of a hilarious, and slightly embarrassing, game show! That's exactly what happened to England rugby star Joe Marler on Michael McIntyre's Big Show. But the story doesn't end there; it involves some familiar faces from the world of Welsh rugby, and the banter is top-notch.
This particular prank, part of the show's 'Midnight Gameshow' segment, caught Marler completely off guard, mid-sleep, and, as the show's format dictates, half-dressed. The challenge? To identify three people based on their... well, you'll see.
The setup involved former Welsh rugby referee Nigel Owens, who, before the chaos began, offered some priceless advice to McIntyre, quipping that a gumshield might not offer much protection if Marler decided to throw a punch. Once inside, Owens, in charge of the 'proceedings,' playfully warned Marler to follow the rules, a cheeky nod to Marler's reputation.
The first challenge required Marler to identify three people in a scrum formation, seeing only their backsides. The first person he guessed? None other than former Welsh player Adam Jones! Marler's reaction? "We're having words."
But here's where it gets interesting: the playful rivalry between the two. Marler, after correctly identifying Jones, followed it up with a friendly "It's really nice to see you though." Jones, in turn, responded with a casual "I haven't seen you in ages."
Marler correctly identified Adam Jones, his former PE teacher, and Aussie George Gregan.
This isn't the first time Owens and Marler have shared a lighthearted moment. Owens, during a live recording of The Welsh Rugby Podcast, shared a story of Marler greeting him with a cheerful "good morning" in Welsh, regardless of the time of day.
What do you think of this playful rivalry? Do you enjoy seeing athletes in these kinds of lighthearted situations? Share your thoughts in the comments!