FRANCE centre Richard Dourthe was handed a 30 day, ban yesterday for stamping on England number eight Ben Clarke during last Saturday's Five Nations Championship match at Parc des Princes.

The 21 year old's suspension rules him out of France's next two Five Nations fixtures against Scotland at Murrayfield on February 3rd and the home match against Ireland on February 17th.

A French Rugby Federation disciplinary hearing decided to suspend Dourthe after viewing video evidence of the incident in the first half of France's 15-12 victory. The federation said in a statement that Dourthe had waived his right to appear at, the hearing, saying he would accept any punishment given to him. The player had publicly admitted stamping on Clarke's head, but said he had not intended to hurt him.

Clarke had to have stitches in a head wound, but returned to finish the game. During his suspension Dourthe will also be unable to play for his club, Dax.