Joe Marler charged over remarks towards Jake Heenan

England and Harlequins prop Joe Marler has been charged for comments made towards Bristol flanker Jake Heenan.

The Rugby Football Union said Marler had been charged under the governing body's rule 5.12 - conduct prejudicial to the game.

Marler's comments during the first half of Tuesday's Gallagher Premiership match reportedly related to Heenan's mother.

On Wednesday, the 32-year-old appeared to offer an apology on Twitter to Heenan, who played for Connacht between 2013 and 2018, adding: "Owe you a pint/coffee in the new year."

Marler will face a disciplinary hearing on Friday afternoon.

The RFU said: "Joe Marler, Harlequins, has been charged under RFU rule 5.12 for conduct prejudicial to the game for comments made to a Bristol Bears player during the match on Tuesday 27 December.

"The hearing will take place at 4.30pm today, Friday 30 December."