Papé goes out with a punch

Stade Francais lock Pascal Papé was sent off for punching in his side's 27-23 win over Racing 92 ensuring it was the last game of his career. 

The former France captain was sent off for punching Henry Chavancy shortly before halftime after an almight brawl descended on Stade Jean-Bouin in the Parisian derby on Saturday.

"It makes me sorry for him because he made a big mistake", Stade Français manager Gonzalo Quesada told Rugbyrama.

"We knew very well that he could have small clashes during the match and we insisted on this aspect all week, he takes a red on the first hook, it is a pity for him and his career."

Papé has been a strong voice in opposition to the proposed merger of the Parisian teams and ironically he directed the punch at the only Racing man who spoke publicly against the merger in Chavancy.

His teammates believe he deserved more leniency from the referee and are defending their veteran.

Stade Français prop Rabah Slimani said: "All that for that … Rugby remains rugby and if we have to take red cards for that … The referee could have put two yellows and it would have been very good. Pascal has a very great career and it is a pity he finishes on it. He has been fighting a lot in recent years and also these weeks to keep the club where it is today."

Captain Sergio Parisse preferred to adopt a less vengeful and more philosophical approach on the matter:

"He will remember his last match at Jean-Bouin," said Parisse.

"But in his career he will remember the victory of the team, surely that in a few years, when we are older, we will have a belly, we will laugh around a glass of wine saying ' Remember your punch for your last game?"