Joe Marler has been cited for his bizarre fondling of Alun Wyn Jones' groin in England's Six Nations win over Wales.

The Harlequins prop could now face a suspension as long as 24 weeks, after Six Nations bosses convened a disciplinary hearing in Dublin on Thursday.

The incident during a scuffle in the opening exchanges was caught by television cameras but missed by all of the officials, including the TMO.

Marler's England teammate Courtney Lawes will also face a disciplinary hearing having been cited for a dangerous tackle during Saturday's 33-30 win at Twickenham.

The influential lock-turned-flanker caught Jones high in the second half, leaving the Wales skipper needing lengthy treatment.

Manu Tuilagi's automatic hearing following a red card will also be held at the same time, with the centre also set to discover if he will be suspended.

The Leicester man is likely to be banned for his dangerous tackle on George North when the Wales winger was going for the corner in the closing stages.

A Six Nations statement confirming Marler's citing read: "The England number one Joe Marler has been cited for an alleged infringement of Law 9.27 (a player must not do anything that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship - hair pulling or grabbing; Spitting at anyone; grabbing, twisting or squeezing the genitals (and/or breasts in the case of female players) during the Guinness Six Nations England v Wales match last Saturday."

England's final game of the championship against Italy in Rome has been postponed because of coronavirus.

That means the trio would miss club games but no Six Nations fixtures if hit by suspension.