Harlequins prop Joe Marler will miss England’s first two Six Nations matches after being suspended for six weeks.

Marler was sent off in the 58th minute of his side’s 30-29 loss to the Sale Sharks over the weekend when referee Matthew Carley adjudged him to have struck TJ Ioane in the head with his shoulder.

He pleaded guilty to the charge and is available to play again on Tuesday, 20 February, which means he misses the Italy and Wales fixtures.

Ioane received a two-week ban for striking Marler with the arm in the 53rd minute.

Photo: Tim Williams/Getty Images