England's Joe Marler faces independent World Rugby misconduct hearing over Samson Lee comments

Under fire: The Six Nations' decision not to punish Marler drew criticism
2016 Getty Images
Tom Doyle23 March 2016

World Rugby has confirmed that England's Joe Marler will face an independent misconduct hearing after the loosehead prop escaped punishment for his comments towards Wales' Samson Lee.

Marler was cleared to play in Saturday's RBS 6 Nations match against France by the tournament's disciplinary committee despite striking one Wales prop - Rob Evans - and calling the other, Lee, "gypsy boy".

The Welsh Rugby Union objected publicly to the decision - angering England coach Eddie Jones, who saw it as an attempt to disrupt his side's preparations for their Grand Slam bid against France, which ended in success on Saturday.

Marler was left on the bench for the game in Paris - Jones denied his demotion was a punishment - but Wales were "surprised" he was not suspended outright.

World Rugby had requested further information from Six Nations Rugby after Marler escaped punishment, and have now decided that Marler's action warrant a misconduct hearing.

A statement released by World Rugby on Wednesday afternoon read: "World Rugby has confirmed that England's Joe Marler will face an independent World Rugby misconduct hearing for comments made towards Wales' Samson Lee during the RBS 6 Nations match at Twickenham on 12 March.

"World Rugby is of the view that the comments amount to misconduct and/or a breach of the code of conduct under World Rugby Regulation 20 and should have been considered by an independent process.

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"In the absence of such a process by Six Nations Rugby, World Rugby is exercising its right to take appropriate action before an independent judicial committee.

"The RFU [the player's union] and Six Nations Rugby have been informed and the case will be heard by an independent judicial committee as soon as practically possible.

"Details will be announced in due course and the player is free to continue playing in the interim."

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