Bayonne second row Mikaera Tewhata has been temporarily suspended by the French rugby federation (FFR) following a punch on Brian O'Driscoll which has dented the Ireland skipper's World Cup hopes.
The Kiwi lock's punch in the 62nd minute of a midweek friendly against Ireland left O'Driscoll with a fracture to his sinus and damage to his cheekbone; injuries which could force him to miss the first two games of the tournament against Namibia and Georgia.
A statement by the FFR - who are keen to defuse any ill feeling between the two countries in advance of their World Cup clash on September 21 - said Tewhata is suspended until they have finished their own inquiry into the incident.
The French federation has also requested that the English rugby union (RFU) make available the match report of English referee Wayne Barnes, who did not sanction Tewhata for his unprovoked attack on O'Driscoll.
