Rugby Players' Association backs Joe Marler in racism spat

The Rugby Players' Association (RPA) has sprung to the defence of Harlequins prop Joe Marler head of the player's World Rugby misconduct hearing.

The England international faces charges for calling Wales's Samson Lee "Gypsy boy" during a Six Nations match, despite being cleared of the offence by the tournament's organisers.

RPA chief Damian Hopley insists that Marler - who has apologised to Lee for the remark - is "being hung out to dry" by an "excruciating media witch hunt".

BBC Sport quotes him as saying: "Let's be absolutely clear, Joe is not racially motivated and this matter should have been closed when it was originally dealt with three weeks ago.

"We will be watching the ensuing process extremely carefully but the thought of World Rugby calling for yet another hearing and therefore prolonging this episode defies belief."

Marler's World Rugby hearing will take place on April 5.