Joe Marler has been banned for three weeks © Getty Images

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Harlequins prop Joe Marler has been banned for three weeks for striking an opponent, while Gloucester lock Will James has been suspended for one week for the same offence.

Marler was cited for an incident during his side's 29-24 victory over London Irish at Twickenham on September 3. He was summoned to appear before a Rugby Football Union disciplinary panel on Tuesday evening and he pleaded guilty to the charge of striking an opponent. Marler will now not be eligible to play again until October 5, meaning he will miss Quins' upcoming clashes with Gloucester, Worcester and Sale.

James, meanwhile, was called to task after throwing a punch at a Northampton Saints player in the closing stages of their clash at Franklin's Gardens on September 4. The Cherry and Whites second-row was penalised for doing so but avoided a card. Like Marler, he too pled guilty to striking an opponent but was hit with a two-week suspension which was reduced to on on account of his previous good disciplinary record. Consequently, he will miss only one game, Saturday's clash with Quins, as he will be free to resume playing from September 20 onwards.