Conor O'Shea: Joe Marler "not in any way, shape or form racist"

The RTÉ TV pundit, who is Marler's coach at Harlequins, is supporting the under-fire forward.

England prop Joe Marler has been described as "not in any way, shape or form racist" just hours after being was told he will face an independent misconduct hearing for verbally abusing Samson Lee.

Marler had initially escaped punishment from the RBS 6 Nations for calling the Wales prop a ''gypsy boy'' during England's 25-21 victory at Twickenham, but World Rugby has deemed action should have been taken.