World Rugby to investigate referee after controversial photo

Vahaamahina was red-carded by Peyper for throwing an elbow in a decisive moment as France let a 12-point lead slip to lose to Wales in the World Cup quarter-finals on Sunday.

Leading France official Serge Simon said if true the photo was "shocking".

World Rugby is trying to "establish the facts" surrounding the picture.

French Rugby Federation vice-president Simon, a former France prop, said on Twitter: "This photo if it is true is shocking and explanations will be necessary."

World Rugby said: "World Rugby is aware of a picture on social media of referee Jaco Peyper with a group of Wales fans taken after last night's [Sunday] quarter-final between Wales and France in Oita.

"It would be inappropriate to comment further while we are establishing the facts."