Marler cited for squirrel grip on Jones

Well level of force would be a factor. My point is many actions are ignored in certain instances, when they are not at all forceful with zero intent to cause harm. Given that this was aimed at a private area though, I can understand that some punishment is reasonable. It was clearly done to cause annoyance, not even discomfort.

TWAS a few thoughts; How do you judge harm? Another player posted some things that he would say weren’t intended to cause harm. Were the consequences for that player an overreaction? I guess what I’m saying is, I don’t think it matters what the intent was, nor do I think the details or original intent of the ‘rugby laws’ is the crux of the concern because the law they choose was likely just what they thought was the best fit, they could have as easily applied ‘bringing the game into disrepute.’ etc.. because the reality is what he did is not appropriate under a range of laws we have in society today and even though there is this odd belief that the rugby field is under some other jurisdiction it really isn’t. I also find it odd that you would believe a large ban would be an overreaction for a player who isn’t without a track record of said behaviours. I agree in believing there was no malice beyond that of a competitor with an intent to cause discomfort (which you cold argue is harm), but that it is immaterial to the fact that a highly inappropriate and in other contexts criminal action occurred. What is appropriate, I’m not sure, but if they are going to use the law he was cited for, I guess I would say 12weeks it is.

The point is that many things you do on a rugby field would not be accepted in a workplace. So to say, "try this on a work site" is a pointless argument. Much of what you do on a rugby field you would not.

Laws for a game in many countries are not based on what an individual countries need. A number of actions in rugby are considered illegal. I think it's odd to pick one and be bothered about it (especially when the actions in the real world would likely not even be pursued by a prosecutor), and not concerned about others, which are much more dangerous.

So TWAS you agree that sexual assault is not a good look for a code that is seriously struggling in this country?

The only difference between Marler’s actions and Hopoate’s are on the scale of objective seriousness Exactly.

TWAS, participants in contact sport consent to a great many things that would be considered criminal acts if done outside the sporting arena. Sexual assault is not one of these things. The only difference between Marler's actions and Hopoate's are on the scale of objective seriousness. You're usually more sensible than this. I watch a fair amount of junior RU. The wind up stuff doesn't impress me at all. Just play the game.

Yup.

Would it have been worse if he tickled his eye ball? Or when full Hoppa? Where do you draw the line if not grabby someone by the junk? I get that he did not grab them and give it a a shake or squeeze with intent to harm... but seriously?!?! You Cannot go around doing that at all. It is not acceptable now and was not ever.

One of the Springbok loose forwards, can you be a bit more specific?

And I said it deserves a penalty... There’s a Huge middle ground between no penalty and 12 weeks

Got no sympathy for him, even if there is an overreaction. If in 2020 the decision matrix in your head outputs this kind of action, you deserve what is coming.

To draw this comparison out though consider the below, If you had a bit of push and shove outside a pub the police would break it up and send you home. First time offence for punching someone without harm would generally be a non conviction or suspended sentence. Grabbing another bloke on the street by the testicles and they pursue a complaint I suspect at least a suspended sentence is the outcome . This is ignoring the double standard that if you grabbed a female, community service would be an absolute minimum. Repeat offence as we’re hearing might be the case and your spending time behind bars. The courts do deem sexual assault as more serious than physical assault where no physical harm is inflicted. So I just don’t think your example actually stands up.

Just to clarify something here, if you post something online, it’s not really a private point of view any more. It’s a public point of view.

It was pretty funny. He and Jones are actually very familiar and that with the context of what was going on not very far away it was tame and in good humor. He should get a slap but a lengthy ban does not fit the offence here.

I agree, it wasn't aimed to harm, but unfortunately is still unacceptable in this environment. I'm sure if it happened in the confines of the dressing room, no one would hear of it. However this was televised to millions. Something similar happened a few years back in League with Korbin Sims doing it to Willy Mason, I don't believe there was any sanction then. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ks7cHKkUb8k I just didn't see your workplace comparison as being apt, despite someone else still weirdly trying to prove the point.

He has. They showed it on the Breakdown yesterday.

Is it legal for me to walk up and shove you off the ball? Where do the laws provide guidelines on pushing and shoving?

Still not really a great comparison though. Given pushing and shoving is within the rules of rugby, even if it is generally expected to happen within the strict rules of the sport.

Carlos thats a bit of a stretch......try doing a cleanout on a woman bending down to pick up her baby and see how that goes then try comparing it to a cleanout of a player over the ball and you see the over exageration you are trying to put across. Just accept it for what it clearly was.....A bit of fun between two friends.....4 weeks should do it