Joe Marler apologies for 'gypsy boy' comment and won't fight World Rugby ruling

Joe Marler has apologised for calling Wales prop Samson Lee a "gypsy boy", and insisted he is not a racist ahead of a World Rugby misconduct hearing on Tuesday.

Harlequins loosehead Marler escaped with just a reprimand having insulted Scarlets prop Lee during England's 25-21 RBS 6 Nations win over Wales last month, but could face a retrospective ban from World Rugby.

Marler took to Twitter on the eve of the hearing to apologise, adding that he would accept any ruling handed down from the governing body.

He wrote: "I'm not a racist. What I said to Samson was out of order and wrong and I am sorry it was said, we shook hands at the end of the game and looked to move on. Whatever happens to me tomorrow I will accept.

"I'm sorry to anyone who was offended, saying it was in the 'heat of the moment' isn't an excuse, but one comment, one mistake, does not make me a racist. My wife, kids, family and friends (yes, I do have some friends) know this.

"Thanks to the people who have supported me and have understood that I made a mistake and sorry again to the people I offended."

Marler initially avoided a four-week suspension after Six Nations chiefs judged his remorse, apology at half-time during the Wales match and subsequent admonishing by the English RFU as sufficient punishment.

World Rugby's move to launch independent action outlined a level of dissatisfaction with that move however, leaving the Six Nations disciplinary process under almost as much scrutiny as Marler himself.

''World Rugby can confirm that the Joe Marler misconduct hearing is scheduled to take place on April 5 in London,'' read a statement from the governing body issued on March 28.

''The case will be heard by an independent judicial committee, assembled by the independent judicial chairman in accordance with World Rugby regulation 18.

''The committee will comprise Terry Willis (chair, Australia), Jean-Noel Couraud (France) and Alan Hudson (Canada).''