Yoann Maestri: France lock fined for comments after Wales win

Yoann Maestri has won 56 caps for France

France lock Yoann Maestri has been fined £26,000 after accepting a misconduct charge for comments he made about referee Wayne Barnes after their dramatic Six Nations win against Wales.

Maestri, 29, allegedly criticised Barnes' decisions following a chaotic end to the game in Paris.

Wales conceded a try and conversion in the 100th minute as France won 20-18.

Half of Maestri's fine is suspended until the end of next season, with the other half payable within 30 days.

A Six Nations statement said Maestri "accepted he had committed an act of misconduct and openly apologised for making the comments".

The statement continued: "The disciplinary committee also ordered Mr Maestri to pay Six Nations' legal costs. Both parties were reminded of their right of appeal."

Six Nations Rugby earlier confirmed it is continuing the investigation into replacements made by France in the latter stages of the same match.

Wales coach Rob Howley was left to "question the integrity of our game" after France replaced Uini Atonio with Rabah Slimani during the 20 minutes of added time that were played.

France's team doctor said Atonio needed to go off for a head injury assessment.