France star Axelle Berthoumieu given 12-match ban after biting opponent at Women’s World Cup
France’s Axelle Berthoumieu banned for biting Irish rival at Women’s Rugby World Cup
- 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.