Joe Marler will discover today if he is to be cited by the match commissioner for an incident that could extend his already lengthy disciplinary record.
According to the Bristol boss, the England and Quins prop said something offensive to Bristol flanker Jake Heenan.
It’s been reported that Marler not once but twice made remarks about the mother of one of the Bristol players – namely that she was a sex worker.
“I brought Jake over from New Zealand to Connacht and to Bristol. He’s like a son to our family and I have never seen him like that,” Bears director of rugby Pat Lam said.
“It’s best to say one of the areas we are all trying to work on is the spirit of the game. I love Joe Marler but something was said and there was a reaction from Jake I have never seen before.
“We are all custodians of the game – players, coaches – and one thing we all value and we all work hard to keep is the right values and spirit. Jake reacted to something that was said. That’s all I know what happened.”
The comments reportedly were connected to Heenan’s wife Adele.
Reacting to the incident, one fan wrote: “I’m baffled why Joe Marler seems to be loved by RU fans. To me, he’s an irritant and causes trouble where there’s no need for it. Get on with scrummaging, rather than making cheap gags at other players’ expense”
Another said: “Never understood the fascination with that Marler, always thought he’s a horrible, unfunny idiot.”
A third commented: “Joe Marler, you can’t preach mental health and be an face for it in the game, yet be known to make personal jabs at the opposition that extend past ‘banter’ or even get to the point of committing sexual assault.”
Joe Marler incident:
Apology:
Marler wrote on Twitter: “Yep. You’re right. I’m sorry @HeenanJake – piss poor from me. Owe you a pint/coffee in the new year.”
The England prop will find out today if he is to face a disciplinary committee over the incident.
Lengthy ban incoming:
The Harlequins prop is expected to be cited by the RFU on Thursday for his actions, according to the Mail Online.
If he is found to have abused the Bristol Bears Flanker, he could be suspended for six weeks.
Such a ban would mean Marler would be unavailable for the start of the 2023 Six Nations.
Will Carling tweet:
The former England captain wrote on Twitter: “Reading people abusing Joe Marler on here, in response to Joe abusing someone? That works doesn’t it !!! Neither is acceptable, not even if you type it! At least Joe has apologised for his……….”
Joe Marler facts:
- Marler started his career at Haywards Heath RFC in Sussex where he played in the same side as fellow England international Billy Twelvetrees
- After joining the Quins academy in 2008, the prop spent some time on loan to Esher and Worthing
- He’s been nicknamed Croissant. In his own words, it’s because: “The boys think I have a nose that looks like a French pastry.”
- Marler was captain for England at U18s level and represented the U20 squad throughout the Junior World Championship in summer 2009
- He is also one of the hosts of The Joe Marler Show podcast with Tom Fordyce
Quins future uncertain?
Having been linked to Leicester Tigers last January, the England prop confirmed that his current deal runs until the end of the 2022/23 season.
Quins are thought to be keen to keep Marler, obviously, but will face fierce competition to hold onto arguably the most recognisable player in the world.
The prop won his 200th cap for Harlequins in January 2020 and the following season was named Man of the Match in the Premiership Final.
Bath, who seem to be signing everyone with Finn Russell their latest addition, have been mentioned while reports in France have linked French heavyweights Montpellier, Racing 92 and Toulon with a potential move.
The chequered history of Joe Marler
March 2016: “Gypsy boy” comment
Wales prop Samson Lee was surrounded by white shirts before his opposite number Marler strode over and called him “Gyspy boy”, his words clearly being heard on the audio.
He was banned for two matches and fined £20,000 for breaching regulations by using unsporting and discriminatory language.
April 2016: Kicks opponent in the head
He picked up another two-week ban following an incident in his comeback match, for kicking Grenoble hooker Arnaud Héguy in the head during a European Challenge Cup semi-final.
June 2016: “W****r” insult
The prop received a formal warning from the Rugby Football Union for breaking its code of conduct after calling the Wallabies’ 1991 World Cup winning coach Bob Dwyer a “w****r” on Twitter during a row over legality of the scrummaging technique of Dan Cole.