England’s Joe Marler handed 10-week ban for grabbing Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones by the genitals

The Harlequins prop was deemed to have acted against the spirit of good sportsmanship

Joe Marler faces a disciplinary hearing on Thursday but has received support from Danny Care (PA)

England prop Joe Marler has been suspended for 10 weeks for grabbing Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones by the genitals in last weekend’s Six Nations match at Twickenham.

The act was deemed to be against the spirit of good sportsmanship.

The 29-year-old’s official offence was ”grabbing, twisting or squeezing the genitals” of an opponent.

Marler appeared at disciplinary hearing in Dublin today, which also heard a case against Manu Tuilagi.

The Leicester centre was handed a four-week ban for his tackle on George North, which earned him a red card in the game, sparking a late comeback from the visitors, though Eddie Jones’ side held on for a 33-30 win.

Tuilagi was guilty of Law 9.16, which states a player must not charge or knock down an opponent carrying the ball without attempting to grasp that player.

Courtney Lawes avoided a ban however for his case for a dangerous tackle on Alun Wyn Jones.

The incident was missed by the referee and TMO at the time, but was deemed to have only been worthy of “foul play” and therefore not meriting a red card.