France star gets HUGE ban for biting opponent at Women’s World Cup

byRugby Rucker

France have been dealt a major blow at the Women’s Rugby World Cup with forward Axelle Berthoumieu banned for 12 weeks after biting Ireland’s Aoife Wafer in the quarter-final clash.

The 25-year-old was cited after Les Bleues’ tense 18-13 victory in Exeter, with Wafer seen showing her arm to the referee following a ruck incident.

The offence wasn’t picked up in real time by the officials, but the citing commissioner flagged it, and a Foul Play Review Committee (FPRC) hit Berthoumieu with an entry-point sanction of 18 matches, cut down to 12.

She has lodged an appeal but will miss Saturday’s semi-final showdown with England at Ashton Gate, Bristol. Berthoumieu won’t be available again until 1 March 2026, well into the French domestic season.

World Rugby explained in a statement:

“In reviewing the matter live, the TMO was unable to determine clear and obvious foul play and did not have the benefit of additional evidential submissions to corroborate. On the basis of all the evidence before them, the committee decided that the offending warranted the mandatory mid-range entry point of 18 matches. The committee awarded a deduction of six matches resulting in a final sanction of 12 matches.

“Although the player acknowledged the foul play and was remorseful full mitigation was not given due to the seriousness of the player’s actions, and that the player had the opportunity not to continue with the action.”

To make matters worse for France, captain Manae Feleu has also been ruled out for the remainder of the tournament after a three-match ban for a high tackle. That could drop to two if she completes World Rugby’s ‘tackle school’.