Axelle Berthoumieu’s suspension for biting Ireland’s Aoife Wafer has been reduced from 12 matches to nine, while France captain Manaé Feleu has also been ruled out after her appeal against a dangerous tackle ban was rejected. The rulings mean both players will miss the remainder of the Women’s Rugby World Cup, with France set to face England in the semi-finals on Saturday.
Berthoumieu was cited following France’s 18-13 quarter-final victory over Ireland. Initially handed a 12-match ban, reduced from a starting point of 18, her suspension was cut further to nine after the committee considered her clean disciplinary record, remorse, and public apology. The flanker admitted to the foul play and apologised on social media, acknowledging that her actions had ended her tournament. She also extended her apologies to Wafer, the Irish team, her French teammates, and the wider rugby community.
Meanwhile, Feleu was cited for a high tackle on an Irish player during the same match. Although she accepted foul play occurred, she contested the sanction. The appeal was unsuccessful as the disciplinary committee ruled the tackle to be high, with direct head contact and a high degree of danger. As a result, her three-match ban remains in place. However, if she completes a coaching intervention programme, her ban could be reduced to two matches though this would only allow her to return after the World Cup concludes.
The incidents have sparked debate among fans, particularly over why Berthoumieu’s bite was not picked up during the quarter-final. Tournament officials defended the process, explaining that such cases are rare and require detailed post-match investigation, including interviews, medical evidence, and assessment of injury development. Officials stressed that citing procedures exist precisely to deal with incidents difficult to judge in real time.
France’s challenge has been significantly affected by the suspensions of two key players ahead of their clash with England. Should they progress, they will face either Canada or New Zealand in the final on 27 September. The other semi-final between Canada and New Zealand will be played on Friday.
Both bans highlight rugby’s ongoing commitment to player safety and discipline, ensuring foul play is addressed fairly and transparently, even when it means high-profile absences from the sport’s biggest stage.
