Rugby: Joe Marler escapes with initial two-week ban despite insulting opponent’s mum

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.

Harlequins and England prop Joe Marler (above) has had a lucky escape after only receiving an initial two-week ban for insulting Bristol Bears forward Jake Heenan’s hospital-bound mother

Marler’s comments sparked a brawl between Quins and Bears in their clash on December 27

Marler described his comments to Heenan as ‘p*** poor’ – but his latest brush with controversy has only seen him punished with a fortnight’s ban, meaning his Six Nations hopes are still alive

Marler accepted the charge of conduct prejudicial to rugby brought against him at an RFU disciplinary hearing on Friday night.

It decided he should be banned for six weeks in total but with four weeks suspended until the end of next season.

RFU panel chair Gareth Graham said: ‘The player accepted his conduct was prejudicial to the interests of the game. 

‘As has been said by previous rugby disciplinary panels, rugby’s core values are not empty words or slogans which can be signed up to and then ignored. 

‘They are not to be treated as useful bolt-ons dreamt up by a marketing team. They are integral to the game and are what make the game special.

‘The insulting and offensive comments made by the player were wholly inappropriate. Such comments should form no part of the modern game.’

Marler apologised to Heenan both online and in person for his comments, which he described on Twitter as ‘p*** poor.’ 

Given Marler’s poor disciplinary history, it is surprising he has escaped with just an initial fortnight’s suspension.

It means he will be able to be a part of England’s squad for the 2023 Six Nations, should be selected by new head coach Steve Borthwick.

In 2016, Marler, 32, called Wales prop Samson Lee ‘gypsy boy’.

While in 2020, was suspended for 10 weeks for grabbing another Wales player in Alun Wyn Jones by the testicles.

His poor record was taken into account by the RFU who were also aware of Marler’s apology to Heenan and his remorse at his actions.

The RFU added in a statement: ‘In all the circumstances of the case, the panel concluded a ban of six weeks was proportionate but that it was also appropriate to suspend part of that sanction.

‘The panel found that an immediate ban of two weeks should be imposed and that the remaining four-week ban should be suspended until the end of the 2023/24 season (and may be activated should the player commit a similar offence).

‘The panel require the player to give a presentation to a local club or school, and to a Premiership academy, on the core values of the game.’