Harlequins and England prop Joe Marler defeat by Bristol on December 27

Joe Marler has had a lucky escape and his Six Nations hopes are still alive after his latest brush with controversy saw him banned for an initial period of just two weeks.

Harlequins and England prop Marler started a fracas in his team’s defeat by Bristol on December 27 when he insulted the mother of Bears forward Jake Heenan. Heenan – whose mother is in hospital – reacted instantly, leading to both teams coming together in a mini brawl.

Marler established the price of behavior prejudicial to rugby brought in opposition to him at an RFU disciplinary listening to on Friday night.

It decided he must be banned for six weeks in overall however with 4 weeks suspended until the give up of next season. RFU panel chair Gareth Graham said: ‘The participant widespread his behavior turned into prejudicial to the hobbies of the sport.

‘As has been said through preceding rugby disciplinary panels, rugby’s middle values are not empty phrases or slogans which may be signed as much as after which ignored.

‘They aren’t to be dealt with as useful bolt-ons dreamt up by way of a advertising team. They are indispensable to the sport and are what make the game special. The insulting and offensive comments made via the participant have been completely irrelevant. Such remarks have to shape no part of the cutting-edge recreation.’

Marler will face a disciplinary hearing #rterugby https://t.co/2C9Iy8GPrZ

— RTÉ Rugby (@RTErugby) December 30, 2022

His bad record become taken into consideration by way of the RFU who had been also privy to Marler’s apology to Heenan and his regret at his movements. The RFU brought in a announcement: ‘In all of the instances of the case, the panel concluded a ban of six nations weeks was proportionate but that it became also suitable to droop part of that sanction.

‘The panel observed that a right away ban of weeks need to be imposed and that the closing 4-week ban should be suspended till the cease of the 2023/24 season (and can be activated have to the player devote a similar offence).

‘The panel require the participant to provide a presentation to a neighborhood club or school, and to a Premiership academy, at the core values of the sport.’

Joe Marler started a fracas in Harlequins

Joe Marler could be in disciplinary trouble after being accused of bad-mouthing Bristol back row Jake Heenan. Prop Marler was involved in a first-half scrap with Heenan, before the New Zealander lost his rag with the maverick forward.

Heenan was livid with something that well-renowned wind-up merchant Marler said, but Bristol had the last laugh as they won for the first time in three months in the league. Citing commissioner John Byett has 24 hours from the end of the game to decide whether to take action against Marler but Bristol director of rugby Pat Lam was not impressed.