Joe Marler says the “ridiculous” hack “needs grouping” and then deletes X’s account

Joe Marler has added extra spice to England’s match with New Zealand on Saturday by saying the pre-match hack should be scrapped.

Writing on social media site X, veteran prop Marler said: “The hack needs binning. It’s funny.”

The 34-year-old then added: “It’s only good when teams actually give it some sort of response. Like the guys from last week’s league.”

The posts caused the inevitable backlash from some, and Marler subsequently deleted his X account.

Marler was not selected for the showdown at the Allianz Stadium, with Ellis Genge and Finn Baxter set to be the best troublemakers in Round 23, named on Tuesday. However, he is part of the 36-man training squad preparing for the match.

In rugby, the rules prohibit opposing teams from crossing the halfway line while New Zealand are performing the Maori War Dance.

In 2019, England were penalized for a foul before the World Cup semi-final when Marler went over the line.

The Rugby Football Union declined to comment on Marler’s social media post.