Pape to 'rest' for a fortnight

France lock Pascal Pape could be available for his country's third Six Nations match against England on February 23 after being told he would have to rest his sore back for a couple of weeks.

The 32-year-old 46-times capped forward – who was appointed captain for the Six Nations but had to go off after an hour of their opening 23-18 defeat by Italy on Sunday – tweeted the results after seeing specialists in Paris.

"The specialists opinion, nothing serious!!! Simply rest for two weeks," tweeted Pape.

Pape, who has been replaced as captain by former skipper Thierry Dusautoir for this Saturday's game against Wales, will also miss his Top 14 club Stade Francais' match at home to Bordeaux-Begles on February 16.

AFP