Ian Ritchie: Six Nations decision should close Joe Marler-Samson Lee case

England chief Ian Ritchie believes RBS 6 Nations bosses clearing Joe Marler over his "gypsy boy" slur to Samson Lee "should be the end of the matter".

Harlequins prop Marler escaped with a reprimand after insulting Scarlets front-rower Lee in England's 25-21 victory over Wales at Twickenham on Saturday, March 12.

England boss Eddie Jones scolded Marler before the Six Nations committee accepted his private and public apology to Lee as sufficient, opting not to impose any punishments.

World Rugby have since launched an investigation into the process behind clearing Marler, and could yet enforce sanctions on the 25-year-old - but Ritchie has backed the Six Nations' disciplinary rulings.

"Let's take some perspective and let's not deflect from what we did in terms of the Grand Slam," said Rugby Football Union (RFU) chief executive Ritchie.

"As far as Joe's concerned, pretty clearly what he said was entirely inapproproate, he recognised that, he apologised very quickly and has apologised publicly since then.

"It's pretty clear that nobody made a complaint about it, and I think Samson Lee's reaction to it has been evident and he accepted the apology.

"Eddie and I spoke about it and when Eddie talks to someone that person is left in no doubt as to the appropriate nature of his behabour, and that it should not be repeated.

"There was no citing officer complaint, there was no referee complaint, and the Six Nations looked at the matter fully as well, and came to a conclusion.

"So as far as I'm concerned that should be the end of the matter."

Marler came off the bench to help England claim their first Grand Slam since 2003 in Saturday's 31-21 victory over France in Paris.

The Quins front-rower apologised to Lee at half-time during the Wales match a week earlier, said to have quickly realised his insult was unacceptable.

Marler is not yet in the clear however, with global governing body World Rugby expected to announce in the coming days whether they will take further action.

Ritchie however has insisted he feels the matter was well handled by all parties in the first instance.

"If they want to look at it, they should look at it, and so be it," said Ritchie.

"I don't think nothing was done, I think all of the things I've just outlined were what happened and what was done.

"Apology was offered and accepted, it was inappropriate, it was wrong, and I think that is the best way to deal with it.

"World Rugby may well take action and if that's the case, that's the case.

"That's a matter for them. But when you look at the various groupings of people who looked at it, including the Six Nations, they came to a conclusion.

"If World Rugby wish to pursue it and there's a different conclusion, all I can do is say so be it."

England's players are already the highest paid in Test rugby but are negotiating to have their £15,000 fee per match hiked up to £25,000.

The RFU must sign a new Elite Player Squad (EPS) agreement with Premiership Rugby before the start of next season and Ritchie insisted a deal is now close.

That expected four-year deal will cover everything from player release from club duty for Test action to academy set-ups. Ritchie anticipates Eddie Jones gaining more access to his players than any previous England coach in the new deal.

"I think we'll get the time Eddie wants, he's been involved and we've had discussions about that," said Ritchie, who was more circumspect about whether England's players will receive another pay rise.

"You've got to recognise that the players and the talent on the pitch is what makes the difference and of course it's right as professional players they should receive the correct recompense.

"You would not expect me to talk here about what's going to happen.

"We had a very proper negotiation the last time we had a four-year deal that everyone was happy with. And we'll look forward to replicating that.

"It was very professionally handled last time and I've no reason to doubt it won't be the same this time round.

"I'm only bothered about what it means in terms of England and I can't talk about anybody else or if that makes them better paid: the matter is to have a full and proper negotiation.

"I certainly recognise the value of the players and what they bring to it.

"Those discussions have gone well. Sometimes when you get to the last pieces of discussion they are the more difficult bits.

"It's a key priority at the moment. We have to get it done by the end of the season, and we believe we will get it done."