Harlequins say they are disappointed at the length of the ban handed down to prop Joe Marler. 

The 29-year old was handed a ten-week ban by World Rugby for his interference with the genitals of Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones in last week's Six Nations game at Twickenham.

Marler appeared in front of an Independent Disciplinary Panel in Dublin on Thursday where he was charged with a breach of Law 9.27 (acts against the spirit of good sportsmanship) when, in the first half of the match, he grabbed, twisted or squeezed the genitals of the Welsh skipper.

At the hearing, Marler admitted he had committed foul play, but denied grabbing, twisting or squeezing Jones' genitals.

In their judgement, the Independent Panel found that "the act of foul play warranted a low-end entry point (12 weeks’ suspension) and reduced that by three weeks to take account of mitigating factors (including good character and remorse) but increased it by one week to take account of his most recent disciplinary record."

His club Harlequins feel that ban is too severe.

In a statement on the club's website they wrote:

"Harlequins notes the disciplinary decision regarding Joe Marler.

"Whilst not in any way condoning Joe's actions last Saturday we are disappointed at the level of sanction applied, particularly when compared to other disciplinary decisions announced this week.

"The Club will be making no further comment on the situation and is fully focused on this weekend’s Premiership Rugby Cup Final against Sale Sharks."

That Premiership Rugby Cup final is still going ahead at time of writing.

Premiership officials say that, "In consultation with the teams, we have decided to run the Premiership Rugby Cup this Sunday at the AJ Bell Stadium, as planned.

We will continue to work closely with government on a schedule for the remainder of the season, should the guidance on sporting events change."

Wales' Six Nations game with Scotland in Cardiff became the latest casualty on the rugby calendar to the coronavirus outbreak.