Joe Marler 'gypsy boy' probe has dragged on too long, says Conor O’Shea

Conor O'Shea today hit out at rugby chiefs for letting their disciplinary process “drag on” with Harlequins prop Joe Marler facing a World Rugby independent misconduct hearing nearly two weeks after calling Wales prop Samson Lee “gypsy boy”.

Marler will be in the Quins team against Northampton on Sunday and can continue playing until the hearing, which could happen next week, has been held.

Marler may still face a four-game ban after being cleared by a Six Nations disciplinary panel and only receiving a verbal reprimand from Eddie Jones, the England head coach. RFU chief executive Ian Ritchie attempted to draw a line under the matter on Monday.

O’Shea, the Quins director of rugby, said: “I do not understand how it has been dragged on for so long. I know what Joe is like and there is no way that he is a racist. Yes, he did say something he should not have said and there are no mitigating circumstances.

“But he recognised his mistake, apologised to Lee at half-time and I will support him all the way and there is nothing we can do now.

“Joe is well aware of his responsibilities and will take whatever comes his way. There is no way we are condoning what was said and he is a role model but some of the vitriol that has been directed to him is tough for a 25-year old to take.”

World Rugby made it clear that the Six Nations had not followed the correct disciplinary process.