French replacements to be investigated

The independent Six Nations Untoward Incident Review Group (UIRG) is to investigate the replacement of Uini Atonio by Rabah Slimani during the latter stages of France's RBS Six Nations win over Wales on March 18.

In an extraordinary end to the game in Paris, Slimani was allowed to return to the pitch in the 81st minute when the French team doctor insisted Atonio needed to undergo a head injury assessment.

France were trailing Wales by five points at the time but Slimani's return coincided with a series of scrums on the Wales line and after 20 minutes of extra play Damien Chouly crossed over with Camille Lopez kicking the extras to clinch a 20-18 win.

After the match, Wales interim head coach Rob Howley claimed the integrity of the game had been brought into disrepute and the Six Nations confirmed it would look into the matter. 

"Following its preliminary investigation into the replacements made in the latter stages of the France v Wales match on 18 March 2017 (and in particular the replacement of Uini Atonio by Rabah Slimani), Six Nations Rugby has decided to refer the matter to the independent Six Nations Untoward Incident Review Group (UIRG) for review," a statement from the Six Nations confirmed.

"Six Nations Rugby will send the file to the UIRG later this week and it is anticipated that the review process will begin shortly thereafter." 

Munster will face last year's winners Saracens in the European Champions Cup semi-final at the Aviva Stadium  on April 22 exclusively live on BT Sport, part of the eir Sport pack.