The Munster star was banned for six weeks after kicking France’s Alexis Palisson in Ireland’s 33-10 defeat in Paris.

An independent Six Nations appeal committee met at a London hotel and decided against Flannery’s reinstatement after considering submissions made by the player.

They upheld the original disciplinary committee’s finding that the act of foul play was in the mid-range of offending defined by IRB Regulation 17 although French commentators were demanding stiffer sentences.

Rory Best replaced Flannery for last weekend’s Six Nations win over England and is likely to continue in that role against Wales.