‘Eat s**t’ – Joe Marler’s foul-mouthed spat with ex-England fly-half after Bill Beaumont snub

England’s Joe Marler has hit back at Andy Goode after the former fly-half criticised the prop following the Bronze Final.

The Red Rose claimed third place at the Rugby World Cup following a narrow victory over Argentina on Friday.

They then went up to collect their medals after that 26-23 triumph, but Marler decided against shaking the hand of World Rugby chairman Sir Bill Beaumont.

“Lack of respect”

Goode then immediately took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to slam the England loosehead, which he felt typified the front-rower’s character.

“Joe Marler showing a lack of respect for Bill Beaumont and walking straight past without shaking his hand, sums him up really,” the 43-year-old wrote.

Beaumont’s reign in charge has been heavily criticised, with the governing body accused of being an ‘old boys club’ under his stewardship.

That, for many, was perfectly demonstrated during the week when the new Nations Championship was approved.

It will come into effect in 2026 and will see the Six Nations sides and the Rugby Championship teams – plus two unnamed countries – compete at the highest level.

Fiji and Japan are the rumoured duo that will complete the top division, but that means the rest will be consigned to the second tier.

Promotion and relegation

Although promotion and relegation will be introduced, it will only start in 2030, limiting – or perhaps even completely eradicating – the games the tier two sides will get against the top nations.

With the likes or Portugal, Uruguay and Chile lighting up the World Cup, and Samoa, Tonga and Georgia all having the potential to challenge the better teams in the world, observers are worried that it could hamper the sport long-term.

That is perhaps why Marler reacted like he did towards Beaumont and why he was unrepentant when criticised by Goode.

The prop had a simple retort for the ex-England international, which read: “Eat s**t, w**k bucket,” before adding, perhaps sarcastically: “Let’s catch up soon x.”

Reaction to Marler’s decision to snub Beaumont was split, with some, like Goode, describing it as a lack of respect, but he also had plenty of support online.

One X user wrote: “Well done Joe Marler for ignoring Bill Beaumont. Bill Beaumont and his old duffers crowd @WorldRugby are a disgrace and have damaged this great sport and fill their fat faces with greed.”

Another added: “Bill Beaumont has literally overseen the shutting out of about 90% of rugby nations from ever playing against the top sides and Joe Marler is the bad guy here?”

READ MORE: Argentina v England: Five takeaways from the Bronze Final