Hard-working Pape recalled to French squad

FRANCE lock Pascal Pape says hard work and patience earned him a recall from national coach Bernard Laporte.

The 25-year-old Bourgoin player missed Les Bleus’ first three Six Nations games with an ankle injury. But he will replace Imanol Harinordoquy in the forward row for their vital fourth game with Ireland at Lansdowne Road on Saturday week.

“Playing Ireland in Dublin is always a great challenge but this time they are aiming for the Grand Slam. My return is not going to be easy to cope with because the match will be very difficult but I won’t get worried beforehand.

The match in Dublin will also mark the 100th cap for 31-year-old captain Fabien Pelous.

Laporte will announce his starting line-up to face the Irish at the team’s official headquarters of Marcoussis, near Paris, on Tuesday.