French lock cited but hearing listed as three weeks after the Rugby World Cup

French lock Paul Gabrillagues has been cited following Les Bleus’ resounding victory over Scotland last night in Nice.

However, his hearing won’t take place until three weeks after the Rugby World Cup. Gabrillagues was cited for dangerous play at a ruck – namely a 17th minute clearout on Scotland’s John Barclay.

According to a World Rugby statement:

“France’s Paul Gabrillagues has been cited by independent citing commissioner Shaun Gallagher (England) for an alleged act of foul play contrary to Law 9.20 (dangerous play in a ruck or maul) during the 17th minute of the France versus Scotland test match in Nice on Saturday, 17 August.”

France lock Paul Gabrillagues has been cited for this clearout against Scotland.

Foul play contrary to Law 9.20 (dangerous play in a ruck or maul). pic.twitter.com/x6h4JaaAXT

— Murray Kinsella (@Murray_Kinsella) August 18, 2019

“The hearing will take place on 20 November in London”.

Normal World Rugby protocol would see the citing hearing undertaken on Tuesday or Wednesday following the weekend of the incident. RugbyPass contacted World Rugby to clarify if the date of the hearing is an error and is awaiting a response.

France ran out 32 – 3 victors over Gregor Townsend’s charges in what was a night to forget for the men in dark blue.

A brace of tries for both Alivereti Raka and Maxime Médard and one apiece for Gregory Alldritt and Antoine Dupont and eight points from the boot of Camille Lopez were met by a solitary Adam Hastings penalty.

England Head Coach Eddie Jones said Wales was a brilliant World Cup warm-up after his side lost at the Principality Stadium. England suffered a 21-13 loss to Wales as both teams’ prepare for the Rugby World Cup that starts next month in Japan.