England’s Marler to face World Rugby hearing

England prop Joe Marler will face an independent World Rugby misconduct hearing after he called Wales’s Samson Lee a “gypsy boy” in the Six Nations match at Twickenham on March 12.

The game’s ruling body issued a statement saying, “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.”

“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.”