Stade Francais's French international scrum-half Julien Dupuy is to appeal his 24-week ban for eye-gouging, the club confirmed on Monday.

Dupuy, 26, was cited for gouging the eyes of Ulster flanker Stephen Ferris during the Irish province's 23-13 European Cup win over the Paris-based club in Belfast earlier this month.

Although Dupuy and the club subsequently apologised for his actions, officials decided to hand down a severe punishment for what is regarded as one of the worst offences a player can commit.

The ban would rule Dupuy out of the Six Nations tournament.

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