England v New Zealand: Joe Marler deletes X post saying haka ‘needs binning’

England prop Joe Marler has had his X account deactivated after posting that the hack “needs binning” ahead of Saturday’s match against New Zealand.

Marler, 34, will miss the opening match of the Autumn Nations Series at Allianz Stadium in Twickenham after breaking his leg in the first Test against the All Blacks in July.

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

“Haka needs streamlining. This is ridiculous,” Marler wrote on X.

In 2019, England were fined £2,000 for crossing the halfway line as they lined up in a V formation to face the haka before the Rugby World Cup semi-final against New Zealand.

Cultural consultants criticized Marler for his comment. Mana Epiha said Marler was obvious “a little lost”, externalwhile Dr Karaitiana Taiuru said he lacked cultural appreciation.

“Calls to scrap it without any reasoning show a lack of respect for tradition, which is a contradiction for any rugby player – a cultural acceptance and a lack of openness,” Taiuru added.

The no-crossing half-line rule does not apply in rugby, where tackles and throw-ins are more common.

When the Samoan rugby league team performed a traditional war dance, the Siva Tau, before their first test against England last Sunday, there was a tense confrontation between the players.

“It’s only good when the teams really respond to it. Like the league guys did last week,” Marler later added, before deleting his X account.

Marler’s comments sparked mixed reactions online, with one X user adding: “Have some respect for other cultures.”

However, another user said: “I’m a Kiwi and I got over it. I think they should only do this in home tests. Yes, it should be challenged.”