In a delightfully bizarre new campaign, rugby legend Joe Marler has teamed up with television presenter Davina McCall for a wellness journey with a twist. The pair star in a hilarious video for the female-founded brand Ancient + Brave, where McCall's stated mission is to 'age disgracefully' and Marler becomes her somewhat sceptical trainee.
A Wonderfully Weird Wellness Initiation
The 58-year-old McCall enlists the 35-year-old former England prop in her quest for joyful irreverence. The clip sees the duo embark on a series of unconventional rituals designed to embrace silliness and reject taking life too seriously. Their adventures include jumping on trampolines in a living room, with McCall radiating enthusiasm while Marler maintains his signature deadpan expression.
Things take a primal turn as they head out into the rain to 'be at one with nature'. McCall demonstrates a form of cathartic mindfulness by letting out a huge scream into the woods, leaving Marler visibly baffled. After some coaxing, he reluctantly joins in, later learning this is all part of the process.
Hot Tub Hijinks & Crisp Controversy
The campaign reaches its peak of relaxed absurdity as the pair soak in a hot tub, seemingly in the middle of the forest. As Marler attempts to 'channel the inner peace', McCall sneakily produces a bag of crisps and begins crunching loudly, abruptly waking her trainee from his moment of zen.
Throughout their day of quirky activities, the core message is one of intentional joy. 'I think resolutions should be joyous. Mine is to age disgracefully,' McCall declares over a cup of tea. Marler cheekily replies, 'Just like today. You're a disgrace.'
Marler's Candid Advocacy for Real Wellness
For Joe Marler, the partnership aligns with his open discussions on mental health, fatherhood, and finding balance. He has been vocal about past struggles, including difficulties with his mental health that affected his family life, leading him to seek counselling and therapy.
Speaking about the Ancient + Brave campaign, Marler said, 'I love brands that don't take themselves too seriously, but still do things properly. Their products are world class. They help me feel my best and I get to talk about wellness in a way that feels real and actually fun.' He then joked, 'Plus my wife is a big fan and pretty much told me to do it, so who am I to argue?'
The video concludes with the pair toasting with their cuppas, into which they add collagen. 'Here's to growing old disgracefully,' McCall says, summarising their day of purposeful play. Marler concurs with the philosophy: 'Joy on purpose, love that.'
