England prop Marler cleared over Evans incident

England prop Joe Marler has avoided a suspension for striking Rob Evans in Saturday's Six Nations victory over Wales at Twickenham.

Marler was cited after television footage appeared to show him punching Evans in the head as Dan Cole??attempted to go over for a try in the first half.

However, while Marler admitted to an act of foul play,??an independent Six Nations disciplinary committee has ruled his actions??did not warrant??a red card.

The 25-year-old is therefore free to play in England's final Six Nations match against France in Paris this weekend, providing he is not sanctioned over a separate incident in the Wales game that saw him call counterpart Samson Lee a "gypsy boy".

Marler said sorry for his comments to Lee, who accepted the apology,??but the Harlequins front-row??could yet be punished.