Ireland flanker Stephen Ferris has accused an England player of biting his finger in the hosts’ 30-9 Six Nations win at Twickenham on Saturday.

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Biting is a red card offence but as neither referee Nigel Owens, nor his touch judges, saw the alleged incident, no action was taken during the game.

However, players can be cited for foul play after a match and England will know by Monday night if any of their side are to face disciplinary action, with the lowest entry level suspension ban for biting 12 weeks and the maximum a lengthy four years.

Owens, in a conversation recorded on his microphone, told England captain Chris Robshaw and Ireland skipper Rory Best in the 28th minute of Saturday’s match: “I have an accusation of biting, a clear mark on the finger.

“I did not see something. If I do it will be dealt with severely, which would be a red card. It could be dealt with afterwards. If it is seen it will be dealt (with) I did not see it.”

Owens added: “Have a word. Nothing like that takes place in this game. I can only deal with what I see. Have a word please.”

As the packs then set-up for a scrum, Owens added: “This game is difficult enough without stuff like that, is that clear?”

Owens then approached Ferris, while the back-row forward was receiving treatment from Ireland’s physiotherapist, and said: “I have done all I can. It has been noted. If I don’t see it I can’t do nothing about it.

“It has been spoken about and dealt with.”

England’s victory saw them finish second in the tournament, with Ireland in third place.