This does not help Eddie Jones' prep for important Autumn Internationals, as whilst Marler has a disciplinary track record, when on the pitch, he has been an asset for his country in the front row, and was in form, having made the Lions Tour last year. This leaves Mako Vunipola as first pick loosehead, but with Ellis Genge injured, there is a gulf in experience as other options, Alec Hepburn and Ben Moon, are talented but raw. How Kieran Brookes doesn't get a shout is beyond me.
It highlights once again the age old club v country problem in the English Premiership, where, without central contracts, like in Ireland, Scotland and Wales, international players are constantly pulled between their employer and England. The inevitable outcome is player fatigue, injury, burn out and early retirements. If Joe Marler, like Sexton, had been allowed time off from his club post international matches, to fully rest and recover, he may have made a different decision.
