World Rugby ask 6N why Marler let off for abuse

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 6:59 p.m. ET

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DUBLIN (AP) World Rugby has asked Six Nations Rugby to fully explain why it did not punish England prop Joe Marler for abusing Wales opposite Samson Lee.

In a statement on the World Rugby website on Thursday, it said it ''requested further information from Six Nations Rugby ... in respect of the process that led to its decision.''

Marler used a slur against Lee in the first half of their match on Saturday at Twickenham, then apologized to Lee at halftime.

Six Nations Rugby decided on Wednesday not to take any disciplinary action against Marler, who faced a minimum four-week ban, because ''the comment was one made in the heat of the moment,'' and he ''deeply regretted what he said.''

Lee also played down the incident, which he regarded as banter. He said he accepted Marler's apology on Saturday.

Marler was reprimanded by England coach Eddie Jones, who demoted him to the reserves for the Grand Slam-deciding game against France on Saturday, though Jones said that wasn't a punishment.

In a separate hearing, Marler admitted to striking Wales prop Rob Evans' face with his forearm, and also was not sanctioned by Six Nations Rugby.