France captain Fabien Pelous has been handed a nine-week suspension for elbowing Australia's Brendan Cannon. The 31-year-old second row clashed with hooker Cannon during France's 26-16 win over the Wallabies in Marseille.
Pelous had been named on the bench for Saturday's Test against Canada but is no longer available for selection.
He quickly apologised for his "stupid and purely instinctive gesture" which left Cannon with a gashed cheek needing stitches.
The ban, which runs until 10 January, rules Pelous out of the November internationals against Canada, Tonga and South Africa as well as five French championship games and Toulouse's next Heineken Cup match against Edinburgh.
Pelous, France's second most capped player, said: "I'll take it like an adult. I made a mistake and I accept it.
"The judge listened to our side of the story and agreed that it wasn't an act which I'm known for.
"I accept it. I'm sorry for my team-mates in the France and Toulouse teams."
Pelous had not been cited while playing for France for six years but is unlikely to appeal.
"I have to discuss that possibility with the president of the club, but I'm not really in favour of it," he said.
"It's a heavy blow to our team," said France coach Bernard Laport. "It's a heavy sanction but we have to accept it."
Meanwhile, Saracens' Thomas Castaignede will play full-back against Canada in one of seven changes to the French side.
Pelous is replaced by Lionel Nallet in the second row, with Gregory Lamboley taking Pelous's place on the bench.
Back rower Julien Bonnaire has been recalled after serving a suspension for violent conduct in the French championship.
Sylvain Marconnet has been recalled at prop, Dimitri Yachvili replaces Jean-Baptiste Elissalde at scrum-half and David Marty will be at outside centre in place of Florian Fritz.
Hooker Raphael Ibanez, 32, has been recalled to the bench for the first time since the 2003 World Cup third-place play-off against New Zealand.
France: Castaignede, Rougerie, Marty, Jauzion, Heymans; Michalak, Yachvili; Marconnet, Bruno, De Villiers, Nallet, Thion, Bonnaire, Martin , Lievremont.
Replacements: Milloud, Lamboley, Nyanga, Mignoni, Delaigue, Laharrague.
MMIX
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It's a heavy blow to our team