Papé played as a lock, and currently most recently represented Stade Français in club rugby, after spending many years at Bourgoin.

[1] Papé was overlooked for the 2007 Rugby World Cup, and under new coach Marc Lièvremont he struggled to hold down a regular place in the starting line-up.

Papé's subsequent form saw him elevated into the starting line-up for the games against England, Wales and New Zealand, in which he performed admirably.

[3] From 2012, he was elevated to Vice Captain behind Thierry Dusautoir, by newly appointed head coach Philippe Saint-André.

[4][5][6] Subsequently, Papé was retained as captain for the 2013 Six Nations Championship, but later replaced by Thierry Dusautoir following injury.