Former England centre 'stepped down immediately' after shameful video goes viral

Former Saracens and England international Joel Tomkins has been suspended by Rugby League side Wigan Warriors pending an investigation after a shameful video of the player went viral over the weekend.

The video shows Tomkins and his brother Sam refusing to leave a Wigan bar, before becoming verbally and physically abusive to staff.

Wigan released a statement this afternoon on the matter:

“Following a video appearing on social media over the weekend, Joel Tomkins has been stepped down immediately from team selection for 4 weeks.

“During this period further investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident will take place, as will discussions regarding Joel’s long-term future at the Club. He has been fined £10,000.
Sam Tomkins has been fined £5,000.

Executive Director Kris Radlinski commented:

“I was pretty disgusted at the video that I saw on Saturday evening. Our players know and fully understand the role that they have to play within the community and to see two of our high profile, senior players behave in such a way, disappointed me greatly.

“They aren’t just role models for the young kids in the town, they’re role models for the younger players in the squad. It is impossible to put a strong culture in place if players you trust to drive those standards act in such a way.

“All players are allowed periods of downtime but know that they must act responsibly and in a manner fitting of a professional sportsman.

“Having spoken to both Joel and Sam this morning they both expressed shame and regret about their behaviour and the effects it has had on all of the individuals concerned. Both of them are fully aware that they have disrespected the Club and the town – and let themselves and their families down.”

“The Club will be making no further comment upon this matter until the full investigation has been completed.”

Tomkins won 3 caps for England during a brief stint in Rugby Union.