Joe Marler could face RFU rebuke after inciting Bristol brawl against Harlequins

Marler appeared to bait Jake Heenan into angry reaction

TROUBLE INCOMING: Joe Marler of Harlequins. Pic: ©INPHO/Steve Haag

Joe Marler could find himself in hot water with the Rugby Football Union after appearing to spark an ugly brawl in Harlequins’ defeat to Bristol on Tuesday. Marler seemed to bait the Bristol flanker Jake Heenan with an alleged comment that provoked a reaction from the New Zealander and could face further action.

The Bristol director of rugby, Pat Lam, said the Bears would not be making an official complaint about the incident but Marler could still be hauled in front of the RFU if the incident is included in the referee’s report or should the citing commissioner consider it something worth pursuing.