Joe Marler has apologised for calling Wales prop Samson Lee a "gypsy boy", and insisted he is not a racist ahead of a World Rugby misconduct hearing on Tuesday.
Harlequins front-rower Marler escaped with a reprimand after insulting Scarlets prop Lee in England's 25-21 Six Nations win over Wales last month, but could face a retrospective ban from World Rugby.
Marler took to Twitter on the eve of the hearing to apologise, adding that he would accept the ruling from the governing body.
"I'm not a racist," he wrote.
"What I said to Samson was out of order and wrong and I am sorry it was said, we shook hands at the end of the game and looked to move on. Whatever happens to me tomorrow I will accept.
"I'm sorry to anyone who was offended, saying it was in the 'heat of the moment' isn't an excuse, but one comment, one mistake, does not make me a racist. My wife, kids, family and friends (yes, I do have some friends) know this.
"Thanks to the people who have supported me and have understood that I made a mistake and sorry again to the people I offended."
Marler avoided a potential four-week suspension after Six Nations chiefs judged his remorse, apology at halftime during the Wales match and subsequent admonishing by England as sufficient punishment.
World Rugby's move to launch independent action outlined a level of dissatisfaction with that move, leaving the Six Nations disciplinary process under almost as much scrutiny as Marler himself.
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