England rugby player from Eastbourne in centre of groping controversy

Joe Marler, 29, who started his career at Eastbourne Rugby Club, was seen touching Alan Wyn-Jones during England’s 33-30 victory over Wales on Saturday (March 7).

There are now calls to punish Marler, with some fans claiming it was sexual assault.

Marler has only spoke out through Twitter after the incident in a very brief tweet.

Wyn-Jones said in a post-match press conference, “I have 138 caps for my country, but if I react I get a red card so it’s tough. Hopefully World Rugby have a look at it.

“Joe is a good bloke and a lot of things happen on a rugby field. I think it needs to be taken in the context of the game.”

A different take on the issue saw Rachel O’Neill, @ronronzo on Twitter, say, “People reacting to Joe Marler grabbing Alun Wyn-Jones by the genitals like it’s just a bit of craic are part of the reason why men don’t report sexual assualt. I don’t care what the circumstance, its never okay to grab someone by the genitals. Why is that so hard to understand?”

Journalist and Twitter user Piers Morgan said, “There are now two types of people in the world - those who laughed at this @JoeMarler incident, and those who think he should be arrested. I’m in the first category. Those in the second are exhausting.”

Marler could face a ban for his actions.