Joe Marler available to face France following ban exoneration

Joe Marler is clear to face France in England's Grand Slam showdown on Saturday having been exonerated of both verbally abusing Samson Lee and striking Rob Evans.

A swift apology and continuing contrition from Marler for calling Lee "gypsy boy" during England's 25-21 win last weekend bought the England prop favour from the Six Nations disciplinary officials.

Earlier on Wednesday, Marler learned he had also escaped a ban for the incident involving Evans, as a disciplinary hearing adjudged it to not be a red-card offence.

Regarding Marler's comment to Lee, the Six Nations said in a statement: " Six Nations Rugby are aware of the seriousness of Mr Marler's comment and do not in any way condone what was said.

"Six Nations Rugby have considered the reports in detail and noted the fact that Mr Marler deeply regretted what he had said and had immediately and unprompted apologised to Mr Lee at half-time. They also noted that head coach of England Eddie Jones had reprimanded Mr Marler and reminded him of his responsibilities as an international rugby player.

"Six Nations Rugby have accepted the explanation provided that the comment was one made in the heat of the moment.

"Having taken all the facts into account no further disciplinary action will be taken. Six Nations Rugby consider that this matter is now closed."

Marler had accepted he had committed foul play and the citing for the Evans incident was upheld, and he was immediately up front about what he said to Lee.

His remark was also picked up on the microphone of referee Craig Joubert.

Verbal abuse of a player based on religion, race, colour, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation or otherwise carry an entry-point sanction of four weeks.

Marler said in the statement released by Six Nations: "I have accepted from the outset that I made the misguided remark to Samson. It was made in the heat of the moment. I apologised, unprompted, to Samson Lee at half-time and this was accepted.

"As ever we shook hands and exchanged smiles at the end of the game. I have been warned very clearly by Eddie Jones how comments like this are unacceptable. I will certainly conduct myself differently in future.

"I do not condone racism in any form, at any time, deeply regret the incident and intend to reflect the behaviours expected of an England player going forward. Once again I apologise for the upset my inappropriate remark has caused."