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England prop Joe Marler will receive no punishment for his “Gypsy boy” comment
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It means the 25-year-old can play in England’s final game against France
England prop Joe Marler has not been punished or banned for calling Wales front-rower Samson Lee a ‘gypsy boy’ during last Saturday’s Six Nations showdown at Twickenham.
No suspension means the Harlequins loosehead will be free to play in England’s Grand Slam attempt when they travel to face France in Paris on Saturday evening.
Six Nations Rugby said in a statement it was “aware of the seriousness of Mr Marler’s comment and do not in anyway condone what was said” but accepted it was said “in the heat of the moment”.
It added that Marler “deeply regretted what he had said”, had “immediately and unprompted apologised to Mr Lee” and noted that England head coach Eddie Jones “had reprimanded Mr Marler and reminded him of his responsibilities as an international rugby player”.
“Having taken all the facts into account, no further disciplinary action will be taken,” it said. “Six Nations Rugby consider that this matter is now closed.”
Marler, who plays his club rugby for Harlequins, said he shook hands with Lee at the end of the game and the pair “exchanged smiles” despite his “misguided” comment.