World Rugby bans Joe Marler for two club games over ‘gypsy boy’ slur

England and Harlequins prop Joe Marler was last night banned for two games after his “gypsy boy” slur against Wales forward Samson Lee during last month’s RBS 6 Nations Championship game at Twickenham.

A three-man independent judicial committee suspended Marler following a hearing in London, World Rugby announced.

He was also fined €25,000 - to be paid to a suitable equality charity - after a misconduct charge against him was upheld. The 25-year-old, who has won 42 caps, had avoided any sanction from Six Nations chiefs and the Rugby Football Union following the March 12 incident, but World Rugby launched independent action.