Joe Marler has been the undoubted breakout star of Celebrity Traitors in what has been the must-watch TV event of 2025.Marler has been chief Traitor catcher and won plenty of fans for his antics in the castle.New Zealand showcased their passion for rugby with a stunning hakaAFPBut the England rugby star is no stranger to intimidating experiences, facing them head on.That is quite clearly demonstrated by his response to the haka in 2019.A pre-match haka from the New Zealand national rugby union team might be one of the most intimidating experiences in sport.The ceremonial Maori dance involves stamping and shouting, as well as hand movements that signal a challenge to upcoming opponents.Whilst it’s performed across all ages and levels in Maori culture, the All Blacks are the most famous team to perform it on a global scale.Their passion demonstrates preparation for battle on the pitch, with the Rugby World Cup providing the biggest stage of all.The 2019 tournament in particular saw England come up against the haka in the semi-finals and challenge it as per tradition.Just as New Zealand began their performance, the Red Roses advanced across the halfway line to meet their challengers up close.Joe Marler in particular stood just yards away from the front of the haka in a move that broke rugby tradition.Rules state that teams who face the haka must not cross the halfway line, something that France also did in the 2011 World Cup final.England, who stood in a V shape in their challenge, were reportedly fined £2,000 for the breach, which didn’t stick to their original plan.Marler, alongside teammates Manu Tuilagi, Ben Youngs and Tom Curry, appeared on the Jonathan Ross Show and recalled the scenes. “It wasn’t my idea, and it wasn’t meant to be a V,” he revealed to his fellow Traitors co-star Ross.Youngs explained: “We met the night before and we said, ‘Look, it’s a challenge and we all want to face the challenge, and make sure that they know that we’re up for it.’England responded by forming a V shape and facing their opponentsGettyMarler was the furthest man forward as England broke the rules of the hakaWorld Rugby YouTubeThey were told to push back from New Zealand by the refereeWorld Rugby YouTube“We said, ‘Let’s get a sort of semi-circle’, a few lads were still confused. So we’re like, ‘Look, this is where you’ve got to stand…'”Marler then added: “The issue was, Ben drew it up the night before.“We had a meeting the night before and he said, ‘Right, for those that are still struggling with what we’re doing…’Host Ross cut a shocked figure and asked: “They were struggling with the concept of a half-circle?”Marler then revealed a concern he had with the plan, saying: “The issue I had is, I look at that board and I go, ‘That’s not to scale.’ “And I thought we were meant to be closer than what the picture actually said.”Marler tried to explain how England planned to respond to the hakaThe Jonathan Ross Show YouTubeBut Ross cut a confused figure when learning that the players didn’t know what to doThe Jonathan Ross Show YouTubeWhen asked about crossing the halfway line, Marler expressed himself.“You went over the line, didn’t you?” Ross asked, and Marler replied: “Yeah, which I thought we were all going to do. “I look back and I go, ‘Oh no, they’re not doing it. Well, I’ve already committed now.”Tuilagi, Youngs and Curry joked the fine would be paid by Marler who, in apparent shock, asked: “Am I? So it wasn’t a wind-up?”Marler on ‘ridiculous’ hakaThe haka is much-loved by New Zealand fans and rugby audiences across the world for its show of strength and unity.However, five years after breaking the rules and crossing the halfway line, Marler called for the pre-match dance to be removed.The England vs New Zealand stand-off made for exciting viewingGetty“The Haka needs binning. It’s ridiculous,” he said on X.He added: “It’s only any good when teams actually front it with some sort of reply. Like the league boys did last week.”“Context is everything,” another post said. “Just having a bit of fun trying to spark interest in a mega rugby fixture. Some wild responses. Big Love x.”Marler then posted an apology for his comments amid criticism he faced.“Hey rugby fans. Just wanted to jump on here and say sorry to any New Zealand fans I upset with my poorly articulated tweet earlier in the week. “I meant no malice in asking for it to be binned; I just want to see the restrictions lifted to allow for a response without sanction.England went on to beat New Zealand, but lost to South Africa in the finalGetty“How good were the Cockerill/Hewitt, Campese, France ’07, Tokyo ’19 or Samoa vs England rugby league responses? “Create some entertaining drama before kick off. My flippant attempt at sparking a debate around it was shithouse and I should have done better at explaining things.“I’m grateful for the education received on how important the Haka is to the New Zealand culture and hope others have a better understanding too. “Now roll on 3pm on Saturday for a mega rugby occasion. England by 6pts. I’ll get back in my attention seeking box now. Big Love x.”