Tuesday 3 March 2015 17:43, UK
Pascal Pape's appeal against his 10-week suspension for kneeing Ireland's Jamie Heaslip in the back has been dismissed.
Heaslip was left with three broken vertebrae after being caught by the France lock as he ran into a ruck during Les Bleus' 18-11 defeat in Dublin on February 14.
The 34-year-old received a yellow card from referee Waynes Barnes for the challenge, but was later cited for the incident.
France boss Philippe Saint-Andre defended Pape in the wake of the challenge, claiming the contact with Heaslip's back was an accident.
The ban means the Stade Francais second-rower may well have played his last Six Nations match for France, as the sanction prevents him playing again until May 18.
"The appeal committee, having considered submissions on behalf of the player and on behalf of the Six Nations disciplinary officer, dismissed the appeal with the result that the original sanction of a 10-week suspension stands," read a Six Nations statement.
Saint-Andre's struggling side take on Italy in Rome before facing England at Twickenham in their remaining two fixtures, although Pape is expected to extend his Test career to the autumn Rugby World Cup.
Pape apologised to Heaslip on Twitter ahead of the initial disciplinary proceedings with the Leinster player accepting the message.
Ireland, the only side capable of the Grand Slam, are optimistic Heaslip will be available to play Wales in Cardiff on March 14.
