Friday 27 October 2017 12:47, UK
Joe Marler is available for England's autumn international against Australia on November 18 after his suspension period was brought forward, Champions Cup organisers have announced.
The 27-year-old Harlequins prop was originally banned for three weeks until midnight on November 19 after pleading guilty to striking Wasps lock Will Rowlands during Sunday's 41-10 loss in the Champions Cup.
That meant Marler would miss England's first two autumn internationals against Argentina on November 11 and the game against Australia a week later.
However, the independent Disciplinary Committee which heard the citing complaint has decided to vary the terms of the suspension following additional evidence received from Harlequins.
Marler remains suspended for three weeks but it has now been decided that his ban will end at midnight on Sunday, November 12.
The club has issued a statement saying: "Harlequins argued that there had not been a consistency of approach to the issue of a player's potential selection in the England squad and its effect on any sanction imposed."
Marler has been capped 51 times for England since making his debut in 2012.
