France lock Paul Gabrillagues is likely to miss the Rugby World Cup after he was handed a six-week suspension for foul play in their warm-up match against Scotland last weekend.
World Rugby found Gabrillagues guilty of a head-first challenge on Scotland's John Barclay during their 32-3 win over the visitors in Nice on Sunday (NZT) and the Frenchman accepted that it was a dangerous foul worthy of a red card.
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France name their World Cup squad on September 2 and Gabrillagues is likely to miss out as the ban rules him out of contention until October 6.
The 26-year-old would miss France's first three group matches against Argentina, the U.S. and Tonga.
The original 10-week suspension was reduced by 40 per cent as Gabrillagues admitted his guilt and issued an apology, with World rugby noting his "expression of remorse to his opponent and his good conduct at the hearing".
Gabrillagues has 48 hours to appeal the decision. France begin their World Cup Pool C campaign against Argentina on September 21.
Reuters
