France scrum-half Dupuy will miss the 2010 Six Nations tournament

Stade Francais scrum-half Julien Dupuy has had his 24-week ban for eye-gouging reduced by one week.

An independent appeal committee made the ruling and Dupuy will now miss France's Six Nations campaign.

Dupuy was found to have gouged Ulster flanker Stephen Ferris during Stade's 23-13 Heineken Cup loss on 12 December.

Stade prop David Attoub is set to hear the outcome of his hearing in respect of a similar offence on Friday after evidence was heard on Wednesday.

Stade president Max Guazzini said: "It is a very heavy sanction. (Ferris) said there was no gouging. The fact Dupuy is French probably played a role."

The ruling means that Dupuy, who has won six caps for France, will not play again this season as he will be eligible to play again on 27 May.

Photographic evidence suggested that Attoub also made contact with Ferris' eye area in the match.

When handing out the punishment to Dupuy, officials labelled the offence as "at the top end in the level of seriousness for an offence of this type".

Ferris gave evidence at Wednesday's hearings after being requested to do so by European Rugby Cup officials.

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