France lock gets World Cup reprieve after ban halved
Second-row Paul Gabrillagues will be free to play following France’s opening World Cup encounter against Argentina after successfully appealing his suspension.
The Stade Francais lock had been banned for six weeks because of a dangerous clearout at a ruck during Les Bleus’ 32-3 triumph over Scotland.
A statement from World Rugby read: “Having considered all the evidence and submissions by the player and his representative, the appeal committee determined that the act of foul play contrary to Law 9.20 merited a mid-range entry point, which has a starting point of six weeks.
France lock Paul Gabrillagues has been cited for this clearout against Scotland.
Foul play contrary to Law 9.20 (dangerous play in a ruck or maul). pic.twitter.com/x6h4JaaAXT
— Murray Kinsella (@Murray_Kinsella) August 18, 2019
“The appeal committee found that there were no aggravating factors, but in light of his admission, the fact the appeal committee accepted his account of the incident and other relevant features of mitigation, the committee reduced the suspension to three weeks.”
Gabrillagues was initially ruled out until October 6 but, following this news, the lock will only be absent for two more matches having already missed the reverse fixture against Scotland.
Jacques Brunel’s men take on Italy in their final World Cup warm-up on Friday before they open the global tournament versus the Pumas.