French wing Yoann Huget, who was axed from the country's World Cup squad after falling foul of doping regulations, was handed a three-month ban on Friday by the federation's anti-doping body.

The Bayonne back was dropped from the French squad on August 4 for breaking dope testing whereabouts rules whereby all players are required to make their movements known to officials so that drugs tests can be carried out.

Huget, 24, has 10 days to appeal the decision.

French Rugby Federation (FFR) president Pierre Camou said earlier this month that the player had received three warnings over his failure to notify testers of his whereabouts.

"It is a problem with regard to the regulations, nothing to do with a banned substance," said Camou.

Huget - capped seven times but a surprise selection in the World Cup squad after a low key Six Nations - conceded that there was no way he could have played in the World Cup which kicks-off in New Zealand on September 9.

"I am withdrawing from the World Cup because the punishment I face is anything from the minimum three months up to 18 months," said the wing, who made his Test debut against Argentina last November.

"I prefer to leave the squad now rather than when they are really stepping up their training for the World Cup and thus put them in difficulty, knowing that I would not be able to be replaced."

AFP