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Warren Gatland says Joe Marler's jibe at Samson Lee was 'banter'

Joe Marler catches the ball during an England training session
Image: Joe Marler is waiting to hear if he will be banned for England's Grand Slam game

Warren Gatland has said England prop Joe Marler's "gypsy boy" comment aimed at Wales' Samson Lee was just "banter".

The comment by 25-year-old Marler is under investigation by Six Nations officials ahead of England's final game of the championship against France in Paris on Saturday.

But Wales coach Gatland insisted he has no issue with the England prop, who is already waiting to hear if he will be suspended after being cited for a separate elbowing charge on Wales loosehead Rob Evans in the same game.

Warren Gatland admits he would like to have England's strength in depth.
Image: Warren Gatland has played down Marler's comment to Samson Lee

Marler apologised to Lee, who is from a Traveller background, at half-time during England's 25-21 Six Nations victory at Twickenham on Saturday.

"It's not just in sport, I think it's in every aspect of life where people get so PC and just make massive issues about things," said Gatland.

England prop Joe Marler clashed with Wales front row Samson Lee in the Six Nations fixture between the sides on Saturday
Image: Marler clashes with Lee during their Six Nations encounter

"It was just one of those things, a little bit of banter. We've accepted that and we've accepted his apology. Just move on.

"Fifteen or 20 years ago, those things were sorted out with fists and stuff."

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England will be bidding to win the Grand Slam for the first time since 2003 when they face France, having clinched the Triple Crown and the Six Nations title already.

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