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MARSEILLE - 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 New Zealand 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 before 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.
Bayonne had earlier ruled out Tewhata from playing any upcoming friendly games for the club while some light is shed on the incidents that plagued the Ireland match.
Earlier Saturday the New Zealand player offered his apologies to O'Driscoll, claiming he did not target the highly-valued Irish centre.
"When I lashed out, I didn't know I had hit O'Driscoll," said Tewhata in Saturday's L'Equipe newspaper.
Asked if he regretted his actions, he added: "Yes, I hugely regret it. It's not in my nature. It's the first time I've punched someone. It was simply an unfortunate reflex action."
According to L'Equipe, Tewhata, who said he has been shown only two yellow cards, for "technical fouls", in his six years with the Basque club, was close to tears during their short interview.
And the lock said he would like nothing more than to offer his apologies to O'Driscoll, who is certain to miss Ireland's World Cup opener against Namibia and could also miss the second match against Georgia.
"I wish I could tell him how sorry I am. The first thing I did (the next day) was to try and find out how he was. I really hope he will be able to participate in the World Cup," said Tewhata.
"I want to offer him my heartfelt apologies. I would like to see him face to face, shake his hand and make peace."
Crucially, O'Driscoll should be fit for the two crunch games against France and Argentina.
Irish team officials said they did not intend to take the matter any further but said they would welcome an inquiry by the French Rugby Federation (FFR).
O'Driscoll's injury comes hard on the heels of the knee injury sustained by first-choice winger Shane Horgan during the warmup to Saturday's game against Scotland in Edinburgh.
- AFP
