English ask French to view video

THE English RFU want French officials to look at video footage of an incident during Saturday's Five Nations match in which England…

THE English RFU want French officials to look at video footage of an incident during Saturday's Five Nations match in which England number eight Ben Clarke suffered a head injury. French centre Richard Dourthe is alleged to have kicked Clarke's head during France's 15-12 win at the Parc des Princes. Clarke left the field for nine minutes to have the wound stitched.

RFU secretary Tony Hallett said: "We are writing to the FFR, but in consultation with Ben Clarke, we will not be citing Dourthe or taking the matter further. We are leaving it to the judgment and good sense of the FFR, who will be informed of what Rugby Special (on BBC television) highlighted after the match."

Last season, video evidence convicted Olivier Merle of head butting Welsh prop Ricky Evans. The Frenchman was subsequently not selected for the game with England.