World Rugby has announced that England prop Joe Marler will face an independent misconduct hearing for his "gypsy boy" insult to Wales's Samson Lee

Marler escaped punishment from the Six Nations after the incident in England's win on at Twickenham on March 12, but World Rugby has deemed that action should have been taken.

"World Rugby is of the view that the comments amount to misconduct and/or a breach of the code of conduct under World Rugby Regulation 20 and should have been considered by an independent process," read a statement.

"In the absence of such a process by Six Nations Rugby, World Rugby is exercising its right to take appropriate action before an independent judicial committee.

"The RFU (the player's union) and Six Nations Rugby have been informed and the case will be heard by an independent judicial committee as soon as practically possible. Details will be announced in due course and the player is free to continue playing in the interim."

Marler could now be suspended for future internationals if found guilty by the independent hearing.