O'Driscoll will miss Ireland's opening World Cup match
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Bayonne player Mikaera Tewhata has been banned by the French Rugby Federation for punching Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll in a World Cup warm-up game.
O'Driscoll will miss their first World Cup game after suffering a fractured sinus in the incident.
The Federation (FFR) said the Kiwi lock was banned until it received the match referee's report and the results of its own investigation.
Before the FFR ban, Bayonne had already suspended Tewhata for two matches.
The New Zealander said he was deeply sorry for his actions, and he wanted to apologise to O'Driscoll in person.
"I want to offer a heartfelt apology. I'd like to see him face to face, shake hands and make peace," he said.
"I hugely regret it. It's not in my nature. It's the first time I've punched
someone. It was simply an unfortunate reflex action."
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