France lock Pascal Pape fails with ban appeal

France lock Pascal Pape has failed in his appeal to overturn a 10-week ban.

The 34-year-old was handed the suspension for planting a knee in the back of Ireland's Jamie Heaslip during a Six Nations fixture on February 14.

Pape will be allowed to return to action on May 18.

France continue their Six Nations campaign on March 15 when they face Italy in Rome.

Les Bleus started the competition with a win over Scotland before suffering consecutive defeats to Ireland and Wales.