France’s Axelle Berthoumieu banned for biting Irish rival at Women’s Rugby World Cup

16 Sep 2025 • 7:29 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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  • France forward Axelle Berthoumieu has been banned for 12 weeks for biting Ireland's Aoife Wafer during their Women's Rugby World Cup quarter-final.
  • The ban, reduced from an 18-match entry point, means Berthoumieu will miss France's semi-final against England and will not be eligible to play until after March 1, 2026.
  • France captain Manae Feleu is also set to miss the rest of the tournament after receiving a three-match ban for a high tackle.
  • Feleu's suspension could be reduced to two matches with World Rugby’s coaching intervention program, but she is appealing the sanction.
  • Should Feleu's ban stand, she will miss France's semi-final clash with England and potentially the final, representing a significant blow to the team.

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