Ireland's Simon Easterby Laments 'disappointing' Fabien Galthie Comments After Antoine Dupont Injury

Ireland interim boss Simon Easterby on Thursday said comments alleging foul play against his side by France coach Fabien Galthie following an injury to star scrum-half Antoine Dupont were 'disappointing' and had created unnecessary 'ill-feeling'.

France captain Dupont ruptured an anterior cruciate ligament early in the 42-27 win over defending champions Ireland in Dublin last weekend that put the visitors on course to secure the Six Nations title this Saturday.

Dupont is set to be sidelined for several months following an injury suffered at a ruck, with Galthie branding the incident 'reprehensible' as he pointed the finger at Ireland duo Andrew Porter and Tadhg Beirne.

No action was taken against the two forwards, with lock Beirne and loosehead prop Porter both selected Thursday by Easterby in the starting Ireland side to play Italy in Rome this weekend.

Easterby, asked about Galthie's comments, said: 'No player goes out to intentionally injure another player. For the majority of people, looking at it afterwards, everyone felt like it was a rugby incident, which was really unfortunate.