NZ PM John Key has received a written apology from French PM Francois Fillon condemning Mathieu Bastareaud's behaviour.

Bastareaud claimed he had been attacked by up to five people in Wellington after France's defeat by New Zealand last month.

But after several days of police investigation, his claims were subsequently proven to be false.

After Bastareaud's initial claims, Key waded into the issue saying he hoped the incident would not tarnish the country's standing, particularly given it is hosting the 2011 World Cup.

But today, having received the apology from the French Prime Minister, Key said it was time to "put the matter behind us."

"At the end of the day we need to put it in perspective and say the matter's now been dealt with," he told Radio New Zealand.

In his letter to Key, Fillon wrote: "The tour of the French rugby team in New Zealand was marked by the unjustifiable behaviour of one of the players.

"Through his false statements, on the basis of which you were led to intervene publicly, he seriously damaged the image of your country and its people. Please believe that I sincerely regret this incident.

"Our two countries share the culture of rugby. This sport has always allowed our two nations to come together and respect each other. I hope these feelings will live on even after this regrettable event.

"As all rugby fans, I am delighted at the prospect of your country hosting the 2011 Rugby World Cup."

The Bastareaud saga has continued to make headlines since his return to France and Stade Francais the centre has admitted in a statement that he had lied and said his facial injuries had in fact occurred because he was drunk and hit his head on a table at the team hotel.

In the same statement Bastareaud also explained he had invented the story about being attacked because he was worried his family would be angry and that he would be kicked out of the team.

Since then the 20-year-old has been admitted to hospital with what Stade Francais president Max Guazzini said were "serious psychological problems" after allegedly trying to commit suicide.

French Rugby Federation president Pierre Camou has called for a disciplinary inquiry into the whole episode.