Bosses launch inquiry into crazy Paris finale

Six Nations bosses have opened an investigation into the chaotic scenes at the end of the France-Wales game in Paris on Saturday.

Wales’ interim head coach Rob Howley said the “integrity of the game had been brought into disrepute” after France replacement prop Uini Atonio went off for a head injury assessment, with starting tighthead Rabah Slimani then returning during a remarkable 20 minutes of second-half stoppage time.

Slimani had earlier been replaced but the France team doctor insisted that Atonio needed an HIA, therefore allowing Slimani to go back on as France laid siege to Wales’ line through a series of scrums.

Launching an investigation into the incident, a Six Nations Rugby statement read: “SNRL is aware of concerns about the head injury assessment that took place towards the end of the match and is looking into the matter. “No further comments will be made until the closing of the citing window and the conclusion of the enquiry.”

Wales conceded a try and 100th-minute conversion to lose 20-18 at the Stade de France and centre Jonathan Davies claimed the events “just didn’t seem right”.

Davies said: “It was a very long extra time, if you call it that. It’s a tough pill to swallow. It was disappointing how it ended.

“Of course, if the prop is complaining about a head injury, player welfare is important. It just didn’t seem right, in my opinion.”

Howley, meanwhile, did not hold back in his assessment of what he felt took place.

“What happened in the last 10 minutes of that game shouldn’t ever happen again on an international rugby field,” he said.

“It is hugely disappointing.”