Joe Marler's hopes of being recalled by England for the 2023 Six Nations are now in serious doubt with the prop facing a ban.
On Tuesday, in the game between Harlequins and Bristol Bears, the prop seemingly incensed Bristol flanker Jake Heenan in a verbal altercation at a scrum. His words prompted a brawl between the two sets of forwards, with away coach Pat Lam strongly insinuating afterwards that Marler's actions had caused the fracas.
It was later claimed that the 83-cap international made two separate comments about the mother of Heenan. And after being called out on social media, Marler apologised for his actions.
After Bristol player Luatua tweeted Marler: "Surely Jake Heenan deserves an apology. Fair? Merry Christmas," the 32-year-old responded: "Yep. You’re right. I’m sorry @HeenanJake – p*** poor from me. Owe you a pint/coffee in the New Year.”
The apology is unlikely to get him off the hook though, with the Daily Mail reporting that the RFU are set to cite him on Thursday. If Marler is found to have abused Heenan, he is likely to be suspended for at least six weeks.
That could potentially rise to 12 or even 18 weeks given Marler's previous disciplinary record is likely to be taken into account. And any sanctions are likely to scupper the hopes of an international recall for the 2017 Lion.
Having been exiled by former coach Eddie Jones, the prospect of Marler returning to the fold were boosted when the Australian was sacked in December. Indeed, new man Steve Borthwick had been widely tipped to call upon Marler's experience for next year's Six Nations.
But with England's first game against Scotland on February 4, a ban will likely render Marler out of action for the opening stages, of the tournament. And it's the latest in a long line of controversies for the colourful, and yet divisive player.
In 2016, he prompted fury by calling Wales prop Samson Lee 'gypsy boy' during a match. In 2020, he was suspended for 10 weeks for grabbing another Welsh player, Alun Wyn Jones, by the testicles during a match.
