England prop Joe Marler out for the season

England and Harlequins prop Joe Marler has been ruled out for the rest of the season due to a shoulder injury.

Harlequins captain Marler’s shoulder may need an operation but his club Director of Rugby Conor O’Shea has insisted that it is not a long term injury.

Twenty-four-year-old Marler has won 31 caps for England after making his debut against South Africa in June 2012.

Marler last played for England against Scotland in the 21st of March and has only played two Premiership matches since then.

The prop was named to start against Sale on Saturday but had to be withdrawn.

“He came back from the Six Nations with a shoulder injury. We thought because he had this problem before that you could strengthen it, but we made the decision yesterday.

“Will he be fit for the rest of the season? No. But will he be fine for the England training camps? Yes.” O’Shea toldthe BBC.

“It’s a hangover from the Six Nations and needs to be looked at. He will probably need an operation but it’s only a minor one. “

“It’s not going to be something that’s going to have any impact on him. We thought he could strengthen but it’s not something you can mess around with.”

“It’s not a worry for the World Cup,” O’Shea said after Harlequins beat Sale Sharks 23-25 in Salford.