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Bad boy Marler out of Australia tour

Marler was set to be selected in Eddie Jones' tour squad despite a difficult season, but on Wednesday it was revealed he has instead decided to take the opportunity to rest ahead of next season.

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The 25-year-old was slapped with a two-week ban for kicking a Grenoble player while playing for his English Premiership club Harlequins in the European Challenge Cup last month.

The incident occurred during Marler's comeback appearance, after World Rugby imposed a two-game ban and fined him £20,000 (€25,400, US$28,900) for calling Welsh forward Samson Lee "gypsy boy" in a Six Nations international in March.

Instead of rehabilitating his reputation with England, Marler, who has 42 caps, has opted to take a short break from the game and will miss an international against Wales and the subsequent tour to Australia.

Bad boy Marler out of Australia tour"It has been a very enjoyable but sometimes difficult season," Marler said in a statement released by the English Rugby Football Union.

"After speaking to Eddie in Brighton I have decided that the best thing for me is to take a rest and not go to Australia.

"Whenever you play for England you have to be 100 percent and unfortunately I'm not in that place at the moment.

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"It's not a decision I've come to lightly, but I feel I would be letting my teammates and my country down if I were to tour.

"I think a short rest will really help me recharge my batteries so I can start next season with the energy and focus that's needed to perform at the highest level.

"I wish my team mates the very best in Australia in what is a hugely exciting and challenging series for England."

Marler recently admitted he is seeking help from a sports psychologist to "get a grip" of his behaviour and Jones was supportive of the prop's decision to take a step back from the international stage.

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"Joe played brilliantly during the Six Nations and he will be a big loss in Australia," Jones said.

"Joe knows better than anyone what it takes to be part of a winning international team and he obviously doesn't feel like he's quite there at the moment. We fully support Joe's difficult decision and admire his honesty.

"He's a young man with a very bright future. There's no doubt in my mind he'll use this time wisely and come back feeling refreshed and ready to be part of England again."

The Press Association of England looked at how Marler has found himself in the headlines recently.

March 11 – Marler verbally abuses Wales prop Samson Lee during England's 25-21 Six Nations victory, calling him a "gypsy boy".

March 13 – The RFU reveals that Marler apologised to Lee for the slur, which was accepted by the Wales player.

March 14 – Marler was cited for striking Wales front row Rob Evans in the same game and ordered to appear in front of a Six Nations disciplinary hearing.

March 16 – Six Nations Rugby chooses not to sanction Marler for either offence.

March 23 – World Rugby Union announced Marler would face an independent misconduct hearing regarding his abuse of Samson after Six Nations organisers let him go unpunished.

April 5 – Marler was suspended for two matches and fined £20,000 – to be paid to charity – following the WRU misconduct hearing.

April 22 – On his return from suspension Marler courts more controversy as he kicks Grenoble hooker Arnaud Heguy in the head.

April 27 – The 25-year-old is handed another two-match suspension by the RFU for his offence on Heguy, ruling him out until May 9.

May 13 – Marler makes his return to the Harlequins side for the European Challenge Cup final defeat to Montpellier.

May 18 – He withdraws from England's summer tour to Australia, saying he needs a "short rest".

Sources: Press Association & Agence France-Presse

Bad boy Marler out of Australia tour

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