Harlequins prop Joe Marler to face disciplinary hearing

England and Harlequins prop Joe Marler has been charged by the Rugby Football Union following his comments on Bristol's Jake Heenan.

The incident took place during the first half of the Premiership game between the two teams which caused a big melee between the players with eventually Heenan penalised for a penalty goal.

"I love Joe Marler, but something was said and there was a reaction from Jake I have never seen before," Bristol rugby director coach Pat Lam said after the game.

"We are all custodians of the game - players, coaches - and one thing we all value and we all work hard to keep is the right values and spirit."

Meanwhile, Marler apologised to Heenan after the game but if proved guilty, he could face a suspension of six weeks which could put his participation in the Six Nations tournament under doubt.

Marler's poor disciplinary record might also go against him as he was handed a two-week ban and fined £20,000 for language used towards Wales prop Samson Lee while he was suspended for 10 weeks for grabbing Wales skipper Alun Wyn Jones by the testicles.