Pape's appeal rejected

 

Pape was handed the ban after he was found guilty of striking Jamie Heaslip in the back with his knee.

 

The French lock received a yellow card at the time in a match they went on to lose 18-11.

 

Pape was handed the ban on February 19 but decided to appeal the judgement eight days later.

 

However the Six Nations' Appeal Committee has dismissed the case and has stuck by their original 10-week timeframe. He will be free to play again on May 18.

 

Pape apologised to Heaslip on Twitter, with the Leinster star fully accepting the message, ahead of the initial disciplinary proceedings. 

 

Heaslip accepted Pape's apology, by tweeting: "Tanks for your message. It's a physical game that we play and these things happen. I fully accept your apology."

 

France star Pape had claimed his actions were unintentional, but that did not find any merit with Six Nations bosses. 

 

France coach Philippe Saint-Andre had claimed the challenge was an accident, but Heaslip was left with three broken vertebrae in his back.