Joe fronts Quins' bid for Falcons atonement

JOE MARLER leads the Harlequins scrum into battle against Saints’ impressive setpiece with a huge endorsement from forwards coach Jerry Flannery ringing in his ears.

- NEALEHARVEY

Marler opted out of England’s Six Nations campaign for personal reasons but has produced rock-solid displays for Quins during their surge up the Premiership table.

Former Munster and Ireland hooker Flannery told The Rugby Paper: “My experience of Joe is that he loves this club and he’s a real proud Harlequin. The fact he made the decision to stay here, with his wife being pregnant, has been a major factor for us.

“He’s there for us, all of the lads look up to him and he’s performing every week. He gives players confidence when he plays with them because everyone wants to have Joe Marler on their team.

“He’s been great around the coaching group as well because we’ve been a man down since Paul Gustard left and all the senior players have stepped up.