Six Nations Launch Investigation Into Wales v France Game

The Six Nations have launched an investigation into the 20 minutes of added time in the Wales and France game on Saturday.

Interim Wales head coach Rob Howley questioned the integrity of the French management team after they secured a last-gasp win over his Welsh side in very controversial circumstances.

Howley was furious at France’s replacement of Atonio in the 80th minute of the game. A member of the French coaching staff ran down the touchline, which contravenes the rules and passed a message to doctor Philippe Turblin. The medic then entered the field of play and removed Atonio from the field saying he needed a head injury assessment.

Audio from referee Wayne Barnes’ microphone appears to indicate Atonio told him he just had a bad back, contravening France’s argument the prop may have suffered a possible concussion. Now the Six Nations are looking into exactly what happened.

If France are found to have contravened the rules, which state you cannot replace a substitute unless he is injured – they are likely to face severe sanctions. The biting incident regarding George North is also to be investigated.

A Six Nations spokesperson said:

“With regards to the biting incident surrounding George North, we have an independent match citing commissioner. The commissioner will be reviewing all the major incidents in the game and he has 48 hours to do so. He will take that time to make those decisions.

“As for the replacement of France’s prop forward, we are aware of the concerns surrounding the use of the head injury assessment protocol. We are looking into the matter and will issue a statement in due course once our findings are complete.”

[WalesOnline]