FRANCE SECOND ROW Yoann Maestri will not be cited for the late hit on Ireland out-half Johnny Sexton in the first half of his side’s 10-9 win in Paris on Saturday.

Maestri has instead been given a citing commissioner’s warning for the incident, meaning he will not face any disciplinary hearing.

Sexton was in the wars again on Saturday. Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO

This measure essential acts as a slap on the wrist to Maestri over his actions, with the citing commissioner from Saturday’s game feeling that the France lock’s late charge was “just short of” being a red card offence.

As such, he has not been cited and will not face any ban.

“A Citing Commissioner Warning has been issued to the French second row, Yoann Maestri, following an incident in the 13th minute of the match between France and Ireland on Saturday, 13 February 2016 in the RBS Six Nations Championship,” reads this evening’s statement from the Six Nations.

The independent citing commissioner reported that Mr Maestri had used his shoulder in making contact with the Ireland outside-half, Johnny Sexton, which resulted in Mr Sexton being knocked off his feet.

“The citing commissioner concluded that Mr Maestri had infringed the World Rugby’s laws of the game and that his actions fell ‘just short of’ warranting a red card. Mr Maestri has been informed of the Citing Commissioner Warning.”

It is worth nothing that any player who receives three yellow cards and/or citing commissioner’s warnings during the Six Nations will face a “totting up” case, which would be heard by a disciplinary committee.