Banned.

England prop Joe Marler has been handed a 10-week ban following a disciplinary hearing after he fondled Alun Wyn Jones’ testicles in their Six Nations fixture last week.

The hugely controversial incident has divided the rugby nation with some people brushing it off as ‘banter’ and others seeing it a lot more seriously, including Jones himself who called for World Rugby to act.

“Marler accepted that he had committed an act of foul play, albeit that he did not accept that he had grabbed, twisted or squeezed the genitals of the Welsh player and he did not accept that it warranted a red card,” a statement read.

“The Disciplinary Committee found that the act of foul play warranted a low-end entry point (twelve 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. Mr Marler is therefore suspended for 10 weeks and, given his playing schedule, is free to resume playing on Monday, 8 June 2020. He was reminded of his right of appeal.”

Centre Manu Tuilagi meanwhile has been handed a four-week ban for his shoulder hit to the head of George North that saw him red-carded late in the same game. Courtney Lawes’ citing was dismissed.