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Rugby-England's Marler in the clear on two counts

(Adds decision about Lee comments) LONDON, March 16 (Reuters) - England prop Joe Marler avoided punishment on two counts on Wednesday after allegedly striking one opponent and verbally abusing another during the Six Nations victory over Wales. A disciplinary committee found that Marler did hit Welsh prop Rob Evans early in the game on Saturday but decided not to sanction him. "The disciplinary committee found that the offending would not have warranted a red card and so imposed no sanction," it said in a statement. Marler was also cleared after calling Wales prop Samson Lee "gypsy boy" in the same game and will be available for England's last Six Nations match against France on Saturday. "Six Nations Rugby have accepted the explanation provided that the comment was one made in the heat of the moment," organisers said. "Having taken all the facts into account no further disciplinary action will be taken." Marler, who had already apologised for his comment, acknowledged that he had made a misguided remark. "It was made in the heat of the moment. I apologised, unprompted, to Samson Lee at halftime and this was accepted. As ever we shook hands and exchanged smiles at the end of the game." Marler has been warned by England coach Eddie Jones about his conduct. "I do not condone racism in any form, at any time, deeply regret the incident and intend to reflect the behaviours expected of an England player going forward," the 25-year-old said. "Once again I apologise for the upset my inappropriate remark has caused." England coach Jones and Wales counterpart Warren Gatland have been criticised for using the word "banter" to describe Marler's comments. Gatland has apologised. England, who beat Wales 25-21 at Twickenham, clinched the Six Nations title when France lost to Scotland on Sunday and they are seeking to complete a first grand slam since 2003 in Paris. (Reporting by Ed Osmond, editing by Pritha Sarkar/Toby Davis)