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Published 10:11 28 Feb 2015 GMT
Updated 10:12 28 Feb 2015 GMT
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Papé decides he will shift Heaslip out of the way.[/caption]
That ban was then reduced to 10 weeks due to Papé's willingness to fall on his sword and admit wrongdoing. A cordial Twitter exchange between the lock and Heaslip must have helped matters too.
Heaslip is rehabbing with the Irish squad and may make the Scottish game, on the final weekend of the tournament. Papé has accepted his Six Nations is over. However, he wants to get back playing with Stade Francais as soon as possible.
Hence, this Six Nations statement of a Papé ban appeal: 'It is on the grounds that the 10-week suspension was excessive and disproportionate.
'The hearing for Pascal Papé, before an independent Six Nations Appeal Committee, will be held in London next week.'
'Excessive and disproportionate'. Papé's knee to Heaslip's back - a quite deliberate act - fractured three of the Irishman's vertebrae. As this English rugby journalist tweeted:
Just my view but a clearly conscious decision to knee Heaslip in the back could happily have been 100 weeks for me, let alone 10.
— Nick Heath (@rugbymedia) February 27, 2015
While a sizeable proportion of rugby coverage is currently focused on concussion, reckless clear-outs at rucks, mauls, and in choke tackle situations, is equally dangerous. This incident happened in the Under-20 match between England and Ireland last night:
The disciplinary committee have hopefully set a precedent by handing down a hefty ban to Papé. It was a shame 15 weeks was reduced to 10 thanks, in part, to some friendly tweets.
However, if the ban is reduced any more it will simply serve to let the next generation of players, like England's James Chisholm, that endangering your fellow players is part and parcel of the game.Live sport on TV in Ireland this weekend – Football, GAA, Rugby – April 24th to 26th
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