Gareth Thomas apologises for joking about Joe Marler grabbing Alun Wyn Jones’ genitalia

The prop adopted an unusual method to wind up his opponent during England’s 33-30 victory over Wales at Twickenham

Alun Wyn Jones has called on World Rugby to take action against Joe Marler (EPA)

Gareth Thomas has apologised for making light of Joe Marler grabbing Alun Wyn Jones’s genitalia during England’s 33-30 win over Wales.

The incident occurred in the first half following a scuffle between both sets of players, with Marler reaching down to grab Jones in his mid-section.

The clip was quickly shared on social media and went viral, though it divided opinion, with Marler’s ex-England teammate James Haskell labelling the prop “a genius” for it.

Thomas, while working as a pundit for ITV Sport, also laughed off the incident while revisiting a replay in the studio at Twickenham.

“It would never have happened in my day and I’m really upset about that because if it had then I wouldn’t have retired,” said Thomas, who came out in 2009.

Marler in action against Wales at Twickenham (Reuters)

But after some took issue with Thomas, the former Wales international has publicly apologised.

“To the VERY small minority of people who were offended by my comment yesterday I apologise,” Thomas said. “I tried to find humour in a situation-that doesn’t mean I condone it.

“It means I wanted it to not be an issue. So don’t change the narrative to justify how you feel. Be kind.”

Wyn Jones called on World Rugby to act on Marler and admitted he was stunned at no action taken despite dozens of cameras around the stadium.

“It was interesting,” came the 34-year old’s immediate reply. “What would you do in that situation?

“One hundred and thirty-eight Tests for my country. If I react, I get a red card. It’s tough, isn’t it? Hopefully World Rugby have a look at it. Joe’s a good bloke. Lots of things happen on a rugby field. My question is, it’s difficult as a captain these days because you can’t speak to a ref about anything it feels.

“There’s all the footage that’s been shown obviously. A lot of supporters saw what happened. It’s just very frustrating the fact we talk a lot about TMOs and footage review, there doesn’t seem a lot of that happening.

“It’s very easy to make sport a vehicle for a lot of political and social issues. I think there’s a gravitas for a lot of people to do that today in this day and age and that’s a dangerous thing as well, that’s a real thing that is important.

“I think it needs to be taken into the context of the game. But I think with regards to the judicial power that World Rugby has and the footage that we have surrounding each game, you know, as players – and I’m going to remove myself and Joe from this, and the game itself – that’s the thing we need to focus on. Not the incident or the individual.”