Ten weeks, that's how long France forward Pascal Pape will be forced to sit after the disciplinary committee, chaired by Rod McKenzie, Bill Dunlop and Ian Unsworth, determined he committed an act of foul play that merited a red card.
The incident fell under Law 10.4(a), punching or striking. Under said law, "a player must not strike an opponent with the fist or arm, including the elbow, shoulder, head or knee(s)." Pape was guilty of such behavior in the 52nd minute of the RBS 6 Nations match between Ireland and France on Feb. 14.
Jamie Heaslip, the Irish No. 8 who suffered Pape's wrath, accepted his apology via Twitter, but damage to three vertebrae will keep him sidelined for four weeks.
"Thanks for your message," Heaslip responded to Pape. "Rugby is a physical game and one accepts that can happen. I accept your apology completely."
French coach Philippe Saint-Andre, however, stands behind his forward, proclaiming no intent to harm.
"When you watch the images of the incident, I don't think you can say it was deliberate," said Saint-Andre (via Rugby Dump). "However, I said to Pascal you received a yellow card just at the moment we were gaining the upper hand both physically and territorially, as we were in their 22. Although we didn't concede many points, it was still a pivotal moment."
"You expect something like that from an inexperienced player," he added. "Not one with over 50 tests under his belt. It was the worst possible moment for that to happen."
France returns to action in Round 3, hosting Wales, while Ireland host England.
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