Saint-Andre slams Pape suspension

France's embattled coach Philippe Saint-Andre described the 10-week suspension imposed on lock Pascal Pape as being far too severe and suggested there could be an appeal.

Pape was punished for kneeing Ireland No.8 Jamie Heaslip in the back during France's 18-11 loss to the Irish in their Six Nations match on February 14 in Dublin.

Heaslip suffered three fractured vertebrae as a result.

The Six Nations disciplinary committee took a very dim view of the 34-year-old former France captain's actions and said it would have been longer but for his 'expressions of remorse'.

Saint-Andre, who said the morning after the match he hadn't seen anything intentional in what Pape had done solely criticising him for being yellow-carded at a critical moment, disagreed with them.

"I find the punishment is very, very severe," said Saint-Andre, speaking as his squad for the Six Nations match with Wales this coming Saturday gathered together.

"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 [Pape's club] 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."

Saint-Andre, who has been heavily criticised since taking over at the helm after the 2011 World Cup Final with the nadir the unwanted last place in the 2013 Six Nations, said the suspension would not affect the chances of the 59-times capped Pape going to the World Cup, being hosted by England and runs from September 18 to October 31.

"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."

Agence France-Presse