France flanker Axelle Berthoumieu has been handed a 12-match suspension after biting Ireland’s Aoife Wafer during their 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup quarterfinal clash in Exeter, England. Continue Reading...
The incident occurred in France’s 18-13 victory on Sunday, when television replays appeared to show the 25-year-old biting Wafer’s arm during a penalty turnover.
Although no immediate sanction was issued during the game, Ireland captain Sam Monaghan raised the complaint with referee Aimee Barrett-Theron.
World Rugby’s independent foul play review committee (FPRC)confirmed the ban this week. While Berthoumieu faced a potential 18-game suspension, the panel reduced it to 12 after taking into account her remorse and early admission of guilt.
“The TMO was unable to determine clear and obvious foul play live and did not have additional evidence to corroborate,” the committee noted in its ruling.
Berthoumieu accepted responsibility for a red-card offense but is expected to appeal the length of the ban. If upheld, the suspension rules her out for the remainder of the World Cup — including France’s semifinal against England on Saturday and either the final or bronze medal match on September 27. She will also miss 10 matches in France’s domestic season, returning on March 1, 2026.
In a separate ruling, France co-captain Manae Feleu received a three-match ban for a dangerous tackle in the same game. She admitted foul play but is also contesting the severity of her punishment.