France's Ntamack to miss Italy match after suspension appeal fails

France fly-half Romain Ntamack will be unavailable for the upcoming Six Nations clash against Italy after officials rejected an appeal by the French Rugby Federation (FFR) to reduce his suspension.

The 25-year-old Toulouse playmaker was initially handed a three-week ban following a high tackle incident in France’s opening-round victory over Wales on January 31. However, after completing World Rugby’s tackle safety programme, his suspension was reduced by a week.

This meant Ntamack sat out France’s defeat to England on Saturday, which ended their hopes of a Grand Slam in this year’s tournament.

France had attempted to have Ntamack’s suspension lifted ahead of their match against Italy on February 23 by arguing that Toulouse’s Top 14 fixture against Clermont on Sunday should count towards his suspension period.

However, Six Nations officials dismissed the claim, ruling that club matches cannot be used to shorten bans related to international competition.

As a result, Ntamack remains ineligible for selection against Italy and is now expected to make his return in Toulouse’s Top 14 game against Vannes on March 1.

His next potential Six Nations appearance would come when France face defending champions Ireland on March 8.

With Ntamack ruled out, Matthieu Jalibert is expected to continue as France’s starting fly-half when they travel to Rome. Jalibert partnered with scrum-half Antoine Dupont in the 26-25 defeat to England, but the duo struggled to control the game against Steve Borthwick’s men.