Italy’s Tommaso Menoncello gave a bizarre ‘prostate exam’ to his England opponent (Image: X/@Ringo26)
Italy rugby star Tommaso Menoncello caused a stir during their match with on Sunday after being caught bizarrely giving his opponent an unsolicited ‘prostate exam’. England produced a 4 and put Steve Borthwick’s side second in the table behind France, ahead of their final match against Wales on Sunday. But the same could not be said for all of their rivals at Twickenham following an unsavoury incident. As England scrum-half Alex Mitchell went to pick up the ball from the ruck, one of his team-mates found themselves in an uncomfortable position as Italy’s Menoncello appeared to jam his hand between the buttocks of an opponent.
Menoncello kept his hand positioned there for a number of seconds in what proved to be an uncomfortable viewing for those watching at home, especially when the broadcasters slowed it down in a replay of the action. It appeared to be part of the mind games that occur during high-octane Six Nations matches and the 22-year-old could be seen celebrating passionately towards his team-mates after his controversial tactic forced a knock-on. Despite their defeat, the centre produced a fine overall display alongside Ignacio Brex and got his reward with a late consolation try.
— Joe Marler (@JoeMarler)
Fans reacted in hilarious fashion to the incident, with one X user joking: “At least that’s his prostate exam checked off for another year.” Another said: “Did he lose his wristwatch up there earlier in the game? Sure looks like he’s searching for something.”
Former England star Joe Marler reacted to the footage using only three emojis: an awkward face, a rugby ball and two eyes to sum up his astonishment.
Tommaso Menoncello was one of the most impressive performers despite Italy’s defeat (Image: Getty)
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But some England rugby supporters didn’t see the funny side of it and questioned how Menonello escaped punishment from referee Andrew Brace, who actually appeared to give a scrum in Italy’s favour despite the obvious infringement.
One supporter posted: “Ref managed to call that a scrum for Italy. It was only a couple of minutes after his inexplicable decision not to award England a penalty try too…”
It’s not the first time that a backside has made the headlines in a England and Italy clash. In 2024, Tommy Freeman turned the other cheek in a Six Nations debut to remember.
The England winger got caught with his pants down and exposed part of his backside while storming to the line in Rome.