Yoann Maestri charged with misconduct for comments about ref

France lock Yoann Maestri has received a misconduct charge for comments made about referee Wayne Barnes after their Six Nations win against Wales.

The 29-year-old allegedly criticised Barnes' decisions following a chaotic end to the game in Paris.

The independent Six Nations Disciplinary Committee said in a statement: "Maestri accepted that he had committed an act of misconduct and openly apologised for making the comments. A fine of €30,000 has been imposed on Mr Maestri, with one half (€15,000) payable within 30 days, and one half (€15,000) suspended until the end of the 2017/18 season."

The Disciplinary Committee also ordered Mr Maestri to pay Six Nations' legal costs.