France boss Jacques Brunel says he would not be able to select Wales fly-half Dan Biggar for this weekend's quarter-final after his recent head injuries.
Biggar has been put through a stringent rehabilitation programme since suffering head knocks against Australia last month and Fiji last week.
It has seen him undergo MRI scans that have come back clear, have two consultations with a leading concussion specialist from Australia and follow World Rugby’s return-to-play protocols.
Satisfied that Biggar was fit and healthy, that leading specialist declared Biggar, who has been symptom-free since the day after the Fiji game, available for selection.
As such, Warren Gatland has named him in the starting side to face Les Bleus in the Rugby World Cup quarter-final on Sunday.
Former Wales skipper Sam Warburton has recently criticised the way French rugby deals with concussions, insisting they "don’t take them seriously".
In France’s press conference after naming their side to face Wales on Sunday, that criticism was put to Brunel, who was then asked for his opinion on Dan Biggar’s selection.
Brunel went on to explain that French Rugby Federation regulations would prevent him from picking the Northampton Saint.
“Everyone has to take their responsibilities", the coach said.
"I know that in the French league, two concussions means three weeks off.
“In the same situation in the Top14, with FFR rules, he would not have been allowed to play.
“That’s all I have to say.”
