FRENCH centre Richard Dourthe faces a two match ban (which would include the visit of Ireland to Parc des Princes) after admitting yesterday that he kicked England number eight Ben Clarke's head during the 15-12 win in Paris.

"I have no excuses. I was stupid really stupid," he said. "The English were pressing really hard and I had a lot of adrenalin going.

"The ball wasn't released when he went to ground in a ruck and I just gave him a poke. I know I shouldn't have done it and I'm going to have to pay for it. I hope it teaches me to control myself."

French coach Jean Claude Skrela said "I condemn brutality and Dourthe will be sanctioned. He had been warned beforehand to keep his temper under control."

And manager Jo Maso said he expected at least a two match ban for the 21 year old three quarter. That would rule him out of the matches against Scotland, on February 3rd, and Ireland, on February 17th.