Joël Merkler

Joël Merkler (born 25 October 2001) is a Spanish international rugby union player, who plays for Toulouse.

Club career
Started playing in Club de Rugby Sant Cugat and later having rose through the Stade Toulousain, Joël Merkler first played his senior rugby on loan for their amateur neighbour of TOEC TOAC FCT Rugby in Fédérale 1 for the 2020–21 season. Still playing with the espoirs of the Top 14 club, he won the Championnat espoirs in June 2021.

On May 25, 2024, Merkler wins the European Champions Cup final with Tolouse 's victory against Leinster (31 - 22) at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

International career
Merkler made his debut for Spain on 1 November 2021, replacing Andrés Alvarado during a remarkable 20–32 away win over Uruguay, that had just qualified for 2023 World Cup, as the American top team.

Style of play
A tall and fairly massive player, Merkler is able to play both as a prop (mainly a tighthead) or a lock, higher in the forward pack.

Honours

 * Toulouse
 * 1× European Rugby Champions Cup: 2024
 * 2× Top 14: 2023, 2024