Nice (AFP)
The French Rugby Federation has decided to appeal the six-week suspension imposed on the second line of the XV of France Paul Gabrillagues, which makes uncertain its participation in the World, said Wednesday Serge Simon, vice president of the FFR.
"Considering the sanction in first instance very heavy and after discussion with Paul, we decided to appeal the sanction issued in the first instance," tweeted Serge Simon.
As it stands, the participation of the Stade Français player (26 years old, 13 caps) at the World Cup in Japan (20 September-2 November) seems compromised.
If the sanction was confirmed, it would be requalified only on 7 October, while the Blues have already played three of their four pool games and will only have to face England (12).
Gabrillagues was quoted for a dangerous clearing against the Scottish third John Barclay line during a preparation match of the Blues Saturday in Nice, where he was tenured for the first time since June 2018.
The independent disciplinary committee, which heard him on Tuesday in London, said Gabrillagues' shoulder was "in contact with the head" of Barclay, "intentionally" and with "enough force" to hurt him, according to the terms of the World Rugby press release.
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