Gabrillagues suspension halved, free to play after France World Cup opener

Paris  - Paul Gabrillagues will only miss France's opening game at the Rugby World Cup after his suspension for dangerous play was reduced from six to three weeks following an appeal, World Rugby announced on Tuesday.

Gabrillagues, 26, who was originally handed his ban for charging into Scotland flanker John Barclay at a ruck, saw the sanction halved due to factors which included the lock's admission.

The original decision had ruled him out until October 6, meaning he would have been unavailable for Les Bleus' opening three games at the tournament.

France announce their final World Cup squad on September 2 after playing Italy in their last warm-up Test on Friday in Paris.