Contrite England star Joe Marler clear to face France

Joe Marler is clear to face France on Saturday as England go in search of the Grand Slam after avoiding punishment for his verbal abuse of Samson Lee and for striking Rob Evans in the Twickenham clash with Wales.

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 Six Nations disciplinary officials.

Earlier on Wednesday, Marler learned he would not face a ban for the incident involving Evans, as a disciplinary hearing found that it was not a red-card offence.