Sunday 22 February 2015 14:41, UK
France coach Philippe Saint-Andre says Pascal Pape is still considering whether to appeal against his 10-week ban.
The lock was suspended for kneeing Ireland No 8 Jamie Heaslip in the back during their Six Nations clash earlier this month - Heaslip suffered three fractured vertebrae in the incident.
Pape is set to retire from the international game after the World Cup, meaning he has played his final Six Nations game unless he and his club Stade Francais decide to appeal a ban Saint-Andre thinks is far too severe.
"I find the punishment is very, very severe," said Saint-Andre as he linked up with the France squad ahead of next weekend's clash with Wales.
"It was his last Six Nations, it is a shame it will finish like that for him and the France team.
"Pascal, and the lawyers from the Federation and Stade Francais will reflect on whether to appeal (they have 14 days to decide after receiving written confirmation of the suspension).
"As a coach one is eager to tell him to appeal but if it is to risk a heavier punishment...that is really for the club to decide as it is Stade Francais who pay his wages."
But Saint-Andre says the ban, whether an appeal succeeds or fails, will not affect Pape being part of his squad for the World Cup in England in September and October.
"He is a player who knows what it is like to play at the highest level, which is important for a squad," said Saint-Andre.
"He is also in extremely good physical shape."
