Joe Marler has had a fortunate escape and his Six Nations hopes are nonetheless alive after his newest brush with controversy noticed him banned for an preliminary interval of simply two weeks.
Harlequins and England prop Marler began a fracas in his staff’s defeat by Bristol on December 27 when he insulted the mom of Bears ahead Jake Heenan.
Heenan – whose mom is in hospital – reacted immediately, resulting in each groups coming collectively in a mini brawl.
Harlequins and England prop Joe Marler (above) has had a fortunate escape after solely receiving an preliminary two-week ban for insulting Bristol Bears ahead Jake Heenan’s hospital-bound mom
Marler’s feedback sparked a brawl between Quins and Bears of their conflict on December 27
Marler described his feedback to Heenan as ‘p*** poor’ – however his newest brush with controversy has solely seen him punished with a fortnight’s ban, that means his Six Nations hopes are nonetheless alive
Marler accepted the cost of conduct prejudicial to rugby introduced towards him at an RFU disciplinary listening to on Friday night time.
It determined he must be banned for six weeks in whole however with 4 weeks suspended till the tip of subsequent season.
RFU panel chair Gareth Graham stated: ‘The participant accepted his conduct was prejudicial to the pursuits of the sport.
‘As has been stated by earlier rugby disciplinary panels, rugby’s core values will not be empty phrases or slogans which will be signed as much as after which ignored.
‘They don’t seem to be to be handled as helpful bolt-ons dreamt up by a advertising and marketing staff. They’re integral to the sport and are what make the sport particular.
‘The insulting and offensive feedback made by the participant have been wholly inappropriate. Such feedback ought to type no a part of the trendy recreation.’
Marler apologised to Heenan each on-line and in particular person for his feedback, which he described on Twitter as ‘p*** poor.’
Given Marler’s poor disciplinary historical past, it’s shocking he has escaped with simply an preliminary fortnight’s suspension.
It means he’ll have the ability to be part of England’s squad for the 2023 Six Nations, must be chosen by new head coach Steve Borthwick.
In 2016, Marler, 32, referred to as Wales prop Samson Lee ‘gypsy boy’.
Whereas in 2020, was suspended for 10 weeks for grabbing one other Wales participant in Alun Wyn Jones by the testicles.
His poor document was taken into consideration by the RFU who have been additionally conscious of Marler’s apology to Heenan and his regret at his actions.
The RFU added in an announcement: ‘In all of the circumstances of the case, the panel concluded a ban of six weeks was proportionate however that it was additionally acceptable to droop a part of that sanction.
‘The panel discovered that a right away ban of two weeks must be imposed and that the remaining four-week ban must be suspended till the tip of the 2023/24 season (and could also be activated ought to the participant commit the same offence).
‘The panel require the participant to provide a presentation to an area membership or college, and to a Premiership academy, on the core values of the sport.’
