MARLER’S RED BLOW

ROUND-UP

ENGLAND prop Joe Marler could miss the start of the Six Nations after his red card in Harlequins’ defeat at Sale.

With Quins 22-17 ahead, the loosehead was deemed to have dropped his shoulder into the head of Sale flanker TJ Ioane.

Marler (above) duly received his marching orders and the Sharks came back to win 30-29 via Rohan Janse van Rensburg’s second try and Faf de Klerk’s penalty.

Quins director of rugby John Kingston refused to condemn Marler, and said: “This is not an isolated punch, stamp or kick – he’s taken somebody out without using his arm. An awful lot of people do that.

“Joe will be upset about the whole thing. He was having an unbelievable game as well.”

Leicester head coach Matt O’connor insisted the Tigers can restore their old glories after ending a six-match losing streak with a laboured 19-15 victory over bottom side London Irish.

Leicester struggled before edging it with tries from Matt Toomua, Jonny May and Manu Tuilagi on his 100th appearance.