World Rugby requests further information over Joe Marler case

World Rugby has requested further information from Six Nations Rugby after England's Joe Marler escaped punishment for his comments towards Wales' Samson Lee.

Loosehead prop Marler was cleared to play in Saturday's Six Nations match against France by the tournament's disciplinary committee despite striking one Wales prop – Rob Evans – and calling the other, Lee, "gypsy boy".

The Welsh Rugby Union objected publicly to the decision, angering England coach Eddie Jones, who saw it as an attempt to disrupt his side's preparations for a Grand Slam bid against France on Saturday.

A statement on World Rugby’s website confirmed the governing body has “requested further information . . . in respect of the process that led to (the) decision”.

Marler has been left on the bench for the game in Paris – Jones denied his demotion was a punishment – but Wales were “surprised” he was not suspended outright.

And World Rugby’s statement read: “World Rugby notes the outcome of Six Nations Rugby’s investigation into comments made by England’s Joe Marler towards Wales’ Samson Lee during the RBS 6 Nations match at Twickenham on 12 March, 2016.

“World Rugby Law 10.4(m) and Regulations 17 (Discipline) and 20 (Misconduct/Code of Conduct) deal with verbal abuse of players.

“World Rugby can confirm that, in accordance with its regulations, it has requested further information from Six Nations Rugby (the tournament organiser of the RBS 6 Nations Championship) in respect of the process that led to its decision.”