WALES boss Warren Gatland has apologised for labelling Joe Marler’s “gypsy boy” slur to Samson Lee as “banter”.

The head coach said at a press conference on Tuesday ahead of the Six Nations finale with Italy that he felt the England loosehead was merely trying to wind up the Scarlets tighthead.

There was widespread criticism of Gatland's comments and the New Zealander has issued an apology.

“I don't condone racism of any kind. I apologise for any offence my use of the word banter may have caused,” he said.

“My intention was to take the focus away from Samson, a private individual, and enable him and the rest of squad to prepare for the final game of the championship.

“My comments were made following a discussion with Samson about the incident. “He believed Joe made his comment in the heat of the moment, he later regretted it and apologised, but Samson believes it wasn't racist in intent and he accepted Joe's apology.”

The prop backed his boss in a statement: “I stand beside Warren. I personally believe the comments to have been intended as banter and accepted Joe's apology on Saturday.

“Warren is fiercely protective of the team and his comments were made based on conversations with me and with the intention of deflecting attention away from me.”