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Joe Marler has made himself unavailable for England’s summer tour of Australia
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The prop had established himself as a key player in Eddie Jones’ squad and featured in all five of their Grand Slam matches
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England will face Australia in three Tests – in Brisbane on 11 June, Melbourne a week later and Sydney on 25 June
Harlequins prop Joe Marler has made himself unavailable for selection for England’s Test against Wales and three-Test tour to Australia.
The 25-year-old was suspended for two weeks for kicking Grenoble’s Arnaud Heguy in April, directly after a two-match ban for calling Wales’ Samson Lee “Gypsy boy” during a Six Nations game.
“Whenever you play for England you have to be 100% and unfortunately I’m not in that place,” said Harlequins’ Marler.
“I would be letting my team-mates and country down if I were to tour.”
Jones himself offered his backing to Marler’s decision and insisted he still has a big future with England.
“Joe played brilliantly during the Six Nations and he will be a big loss in Australia,” said Jones.
“Joe knows better than anyone what it takes to be part of a winning international team and he obviously doesn’t feel like he’s quite there at the moment.
“We fully support Joe’s difficult decision and admire his honesty.
“He’s a young man with a very bright future. There’s no doubt in my mind he’ll use this time wisely and come back feeling refreshed and ready to be part of England again.”