Berthoumieu banned for biting Wafer in blow to France before England clash

The France flanker Axelle Berthoumieu has been banned for biting the Ireland back-row Aoife Wafer in their Women’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final and will miss the semi-final against England on Saturday.

France will also be without their captain, Manaé Feleu, as she has been banned for a high tackle during the game against Ireland. Both players are appealing against the sanctions.

The pair were cited on Sunday evening and faced disciplinary panels on Monday. Berthoumieu was handed a 12-match ban which was reduced from 18, while Feleu was given a three-match ban which could be reduced to two if she completes the coaching intervention programme. The bans mean they will both miss the rest of the World Cup.

Feleu is appealing against the decision as, while she admitted foul play, she did not think it met a citing threshold. Berthoumieu, meanwhile, accepts her actions warranted a red card but is appealing against the length of the sanction. Both appeals have been provisionally scheduled for Tuesday. If Berthoumieu’s length of ban is upheld she will next be able to play on 1 March 2026.

France beat Ireland 18-13 after pulling off a comeback win. The task of overcoming England, the world No 1 side, has become harder with the bans, particularly Feleu’s as she has been one of the team’s best players this competition.

The bite to Wafer was flagged by the player during the match but it was not caught by officials and Berthoumieu did not receive any punishment during the game. Ireland’s co-captain Sam Monaghan said post-match: “I spoke to the referee. Aoife told me, I didn’t see it myself, but I spoke to the referee and asked them.”

In the outcome of the hearings it was said: “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.”

Before their quarter-final against Ireland, France finished top of their pool after wins against Italy, Brazil and South Africa. England, meanwhile, beat Scotland in their quarter-final to reach the last four and are unbeaten in their past 31 games.

The Red Roses are favourites to win the trophy at a sold-out Twickenham on 27 September. Canada and New Zealand will await either France or England in the final, with their semi-final taking place on Friday.