Joe Marler reprimanded by RFU for slur to Bob Dwyer

Rugby Football Union (RFU) on Thursday issued a formal warning to England prop Joe Marler for his comments directed at former Australian coach Bob Dwyer.

Dwyer accused prop Dan Cole of scrummaging illegally during the first Test in Brisbane which England went on to win by 39-28.

Marler, who withdrew from the tour of Australia, responded to Dwyer's comments in his official Twitter account which was against the guidelines issued by the RFU.

"Bob Dwyer is a w*****," Marler wrote on his official Twitter account, @JoeMarler.

A statement issued by the RFU confirmed that the warning to Marler will stay on records for the next five years.

“The RFU can confirm Joe Marler has been issued with a formal warning under RFU regulation 19.6.14, following his comments made on social media about former Wallaby coach Bob Dwyer on Tuesday 14 June," read an RFU statement.

"Marler is extremely apologetic for the comment that was made and deleted it within a few minutes of it being posted on Twitter.

"The warning will be retained on Marler's disciplinary record for a period of five years and may be relied upon in any future disciplinary proceedings.

"The RFU considers this matter closed and will not be commenting further."

This was not the first time Marler is involved in a controversy as he was banned for two weeks and was handed a £20,000 fine for his comments on Wales prop Samson Lee during the Six Nations.

Marler also received a two-week ban for involving in a kicking incident with Grenoble hooker Arnaud Héguy.