France's Atonio cited for tackle on Rob Herring

France prop Uini Atonio will attend an independent disciplinary hearing after being cited for a dangerous tackle on Ireland’s Rob Herring in a Six Nations clash at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday.

Match referee Wayne Barnes sinbinned Atonio for the tackle, prompting criticism due to the dangerous nature of the impact. Ireland went on to win the game, 32-19.

Herring left the pitch for a Head Injury Assessment (HIA) and did not return for the rest of the match.

A Six Nations statement on Monday said Atonio had infringed Law 9.13 which includes but is not limited to "tackling or attempting to tackle an opponent above the line of the shoulders even if the tackle starts below the line of the shoulders".

"The player will attend a hearing via video conference before an independent Judicial Committee consisting of Judge Mike Mika – Chairman (New Zealand), joined by former international Leon Lloyd (England) and former international Stefan Terblanche (South Africa)," the statement added.

"The hearing will take place on Wednesday, February 15th, 2023."

France next host Scotland on February 26th while Ireland face Italy in Rome on February 25th. -Reuters