Joe Marler to face no action over abusive Samson Lee remark

England flanker Joe Marler will face no punishment for an abusive comment made to Samson Lee during last weekend's Six Nations win over Wales.

The 25-year-old was also cleared earlier today of striking Rob Evans during the same match, meaning that he is now free to play in the Red Rose's final game of the tournament away at France on Saturday evening.

Marler was caught on camera calling Lee a "Gypsy boy" in reference to the Wales prop's traveller community heritage - a remark he later apologised for making.

Six Nations Rugby said in a statement that it was "aware of the seriousness of Mr Marler's comment and do not in anyway condone what was said", though the governing body accepted that it was said "in the heat of the moment".

The statement added: "Having taken all the facts into account, no further disciplinary action will be taken. Six Nations Rugby consider that this matter is now closed."

Both Lee and his head coach Warren Gatland aimed to play down the situation by brushing it aside as "banter", but that remark landed Gatland in hot water in some quarters.

The Wales boss has since moved to clarify exactly what he meant by the remark.

Marler is part of England's squad for next weekend's trip to Paris, where victory will see Eddie Jones's men claim a Grand Slam triumph.