France ‘reprimanded’ over Six Nations substitution mix up

The French Rugby Union has been cleared of any substantial wrongdoing over their role in a disputed substitution during their 100 minute Six Nations clash with Wales in March.

France prop Uini Atonio was removed from the game for a head injury assessment under the direction of French medical staff despite appearing to suggest it was his back that was injured.

Complaints then followed that his removal, at a critical time in the extended match, gave France an unfair advantage that eventually lead to their match winning score.

But an independently appointed Untoward Incident Review Group have cleared France of any intentional wrongdoing.

They have however been sent a ‘letter of reprimand’ for not following the correct procedures for treating a head injury.

In a statement released by the Six Nations they said:

“The UIRG concluded that the FFR had not complied with HIA protocol and/or the relevant laws of the game, and to this effect a letter of reprimand has been issued by Six Nations Rugby.

Wales went on to lose the game 20-18 in one of the most extraordinary games in the sports history.