France lock Pascal Pape has apologised for an on-pitch incident which left Ireland back-row Jamie Heaslip with three fractured vertebrae.

Heaslip faces four weeks out after being struck in the back with Pape's knee during Ireland's Six Nations win over Les Bleus on Saturday. 

Sincèrement désolé d'avoir blessé @jamieheaslip sur cette action de jeu, pas du tout l'intention de lui faire mal. #objectivitépourcertains

— Papé Pascal (@pascalpape) February 17, 2015

Pape (34) was cited for the incident, although he continued to deny intent in his tweet, saying "I'm very sorry for injuring Heaslip during that incident. I had no intention to cause harm."

Heaslip has accepted the apology tonight:

@pascalpape thanks for your message. It's a physical game that we play and these things happen. I fully accept your apology.

— jamie heaslip (@jamieheaslip) February 17, 2015