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Six Nations Rugby take no action on George North 'bite' after France-Wales clash

Wales' right wing George North (R) is tackled by France's flanker Fabien Sanconnie during the Six Nations tournament Rugby Union match between France and W
Image: George North complained he was bitten during Wales' defeat to France

Six Nations organisers expect to take no further action over an alleged bite on George North during Saturday's France-Wales game.

Wales interim coach Rob Howley claimed after a 20-18 defeat North had bite marks on his arm, while the wing complained to referee Wayne Barnes during and after the match in Paris.

But a statement from Six Nations Rugby on Monday night said citing commissioner John Montgomery was "not able to conclude that any particular individual carried out an act of foul play", having "carefully reviewed all relevant evidence".

The incident was one of several issues in a match which featured 21 minutes of added time, France scoring a last-minute converted try for the win.

The statement added: "Accordingly he has not made a citing complaint ahead of the ordinary deadline for doing so, ie within 48 hours after the conclusion of the match.

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"While the relevant rules provide that in certain circumstances, for example where the citing commissioner is uncertain as to the identity of the player(s) concerned, he is permitted to make a citing complaint after the 48-hour deadline, Six Nations Rugby anticipates that this will be the end of the matter in terms of the alleged bite."

World Rugby's sanctions for biting start at a 12-week suspension for a low-end offence, rising to 24 weeks and above at the top end of the scale.

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