France lock Pape loses appeal against 10-week suspension
An independent Six Nations appeal committee made its ruling after a hearing on Tuesday.
LONDON: (AP) - France lock Pascal Pape has lost his appeal against a 10-week suspension for kneeing Ireland No. 8 Jamie Heaslip in the back during their Six Nations rugby match last month.
An independent Six Nations appeal committee made its ruling after a hearing on Tuesday.
Pape appealed that the sanction which prevents him playing until May 18, was excessive and disproportionate, but the appeal committee disagreed.
Pape was caught, as he ran into a ruck, kneeing a prone Heaslip. He was yellow-carded for the foul, which the match citing commissioner deemed insufficient.
Heaslip suffered three damaged vertebrae, accepted an apology from Pape, and missed last Saturday s 19-9 win over England in Dublin.
Ireland, the only side capable of the Grand Slam, was optimistic Heaslip will be available to play Wales in Cardiff on March 14.
