Jones: Marler not left out over 'gypsy boy' comment
Eddie Jones insists Joe Marler has not been left out of England's starting line-up against France on Saturday for verbally abusing Wales prop Samson Lee.
Loosehead prop Marler was cleared to play against France on Wednesday after escaping sanction from the rugby judiciary for striking one Wales prop - Rob Evans - and calling Lee a "gypsy boy".
But Jones has selected Mako Vunipola to start at loosehead as England seek to complete a Six Nations Grand Slam with Marler available to make an impact from the bench.
Wales head coach Warren Gatland apologised on Wednesday for referring to Marler's "gypsy boy" remark as banter but today the Welsh Rugby Union was reported to have expressed surprise that Marler had escaped punishment over the comment.
Asked about the Welsh stance on the situation at the start of his Thursday press conference, Jones said: "Maybe they (WRU) don't know whether they are Arthur or Martha.
"There was a decision made, that is what we have these judiciary committees for. I said I would let the process run its route - it has run its route."
Jones was asked if he thought Marler's comment had been racist and said: "I spoke to Joe about the situation and said it was inappropriate."
He stressed that Marler's appearance on the bench in Paris was not a form of punishment.
"Absolutely not. (Starting with Mako Vunipola) suits the way we are going to play at the weekend."
Jones then sought to draw a line under the row over Marler's comment, adding: "We have a Grand Slam in front of us and a Grand Slam is much more interesting than something that was said seven days ago."