Joe Marler right to pull out of Australia tour - O'Shea

Former Harlequins director of rugby Conor O'Shea has backed Joe Marler's decision to pull out of the upcoming three-Test tour in Australia.

O'Shea reckons the England prop would have endured a hostile reception down under had he not withdrawn from the summer tour.

Marler, who had a rough start to the year after getting involved in a couple of major controversies which resulted in a fine and ban, requested England head coach Eddie Jones for a "short break".

Marler has currently employed services of ex-cricketer turned sports psychologist Jeremy Snape to address his "lack of professional control".

O'Shea recalled the resentment from fans Marler faced in Lyon during their European Rugby Challenge Cup final 19-26 defeat against Montpellier last weekend.

He fathomed the pressure the Harlequins forward is in at the moment and has justified the decision taken by Marler and Jones.

"When I heard the reaction from the French crowd that he got when his name was read out in Lyon last weekend all I could think was 'thank God he's not on the pitch to hear that'.

"I was down in Australia in 1994 and I remember trying to put in a contact lens, my picture being put up on the big screen, and someone saying, 'go back and put on your makeup!'

"You know Australia will not be backwards in coming forward and all things considered they have made the decision that is right for Joe in the long term.

"I know what he's gone through over the last few months and I respect whatever decision he and Eddie have made."