It was widely reported that Joe Marler would be cited and subsequently banned for his comments during Harlequins defeat to Bristol last weekend.
In a physical encounter at The Stoop, the two sides were preparing for the scrum when the Harlequins loosehead muttered something which generated a huge reaction from the Bristol players.
It was revealed following the game that Jake Heenan’s mother is currently hospital-bound, hence the emotional reaction following the comment at the scrum.
However, RUCK sources suggest the fact Marler didn’t know of her condition will reportedly save the prop from a ban after the RFU met to discuss the incident in a lengthy meeting yesterday.
The comment alone wouldn’t have warranted a ban and there was also a worry that a ban would set an unrealistic precedent with on-field insults happening up and down the country on rugby pitches every weekend.
A statement is expected to be distributed later this morning.
Pat Lam reaction:
Social reaction:
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.
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.
