Marler and McIntyre suspended

The England international was cited by the match Citing Commissioner, Iain Goodall (Scotland), for allegedly kicking Grenoble hooker, Arnaud Heguy, in the 26th minute of the Challenge Cup semifinal at the Twickenham Stoop in contravention of Law 10.4 (c).

A Disciplinary Committee consisting of chairman Roger Morris (Wales), Simon Thomas (Wales) and Kathrine Mackie (Scotland) heard evidence and submissions from Marler, who accepted that he had committed an act of foul play but did not accept that the foul play warranted a red card, and from Richard Smith on behalf of Marler.

The Committee also heard evidence and submissions from the EPCR Disciplinary Officer, Liam McTiernan.

In upholding the citing complaint, the Committee found that Marler had committed an act of foul play that warranted a red card. 

It determined that the offence was at the low end of World Rugby's sanctions and selected four weeks as the appropriate entry point.

In deciding to disregard the player's recent suspension as it was of an entirely different nature, the Committee then reduced the sanction by two weeks – 50% of the entry point – before imposing a suspension of two weeks.

Meanwhile, Wasps prop Simon McIntyre was also handed a two-week suspension for kicking Saracens lock Maro Itoje in the Champions Cup semifinal at the Madejski Stadium in contravention of Law 10.4 (c).

A Disciplinary Committee consisting of chairman Pat Barriscale (Ireland), Roger Morris (Wales) and Julien Berenger (France), heard evidence and submissions from McIntyre, who accepted that he had committed an act of foul play that warranted a red card. 

The Committee also heard evidence and submissions from Kevin Harman, the Wasps team manager, and from the EPCR Disciplinary Officer, Liam McTiernan.

In upholding the citing complaint, the Committee determined that the offence was at the low end of World Rugby's sanctions and selected four weeks as the appropriate entry point.

The Committee then reduced the sanction by two weeks – 50% of the entry point – due to McIntyre's timely apology to Itoje, his clean disciplinary record, good character and good conduct at the hearing, before imposing a suspension of two weeks.

Both players are free to play on Monday, May 9, with the players and EPCR having the right to appeal the decision.