France’s flanker Axelle Berthoumieu has been handed a 12-match ban after being found guilty of biting Aoife Wafer during the Women’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final match against Ireland. The incident occurred in the second half of the match, which France won 18-13 after overcoming a 13-0 deficit at half-time.
Following the match held in Exeter on September 14, 2025, Berthoumieu faced a disciplinary hearing on the subsequent Monday. The hearing was convened by an Independent Foul Play Review Committee (FPRC) to address the biting incident, which was captured in video evidence. Wafer was seen discussing the situation with referee Aimee Barrett-Theron, indicating that she had been bitten.
Sam Monaghan, the captain of the Irish team, confirmed that she had raised the issue with the officials during the match, although no immediate action was taken at that time. “I spoke to the referee,” Monaghan stated. “Aoife told me. I didn’t see it myself, but I spoke to the referee and asked them.”
In addition to Berthoumieu’s ban, France’s second-row Manae Feleu has also been cited for a separate incident involving a high tackle, resulting in a three-match suspension. Feleu’s suspension could be reduced to two matches upon successful completion of a Coaching Intervention Programme. She intends to appeal the sanctions alongside Berthoumieu, with hearings scheduled for September 16, 2025.
The FPRC, chaired by Brenda Heather-Latu from Samoa, along with members Ofisa Tonu’u from New Zealand and Valeriu Toma from Romania, reviewed the cases against both players. Their findings resulted in the proposed sanctions, which are now subject to appeal.
As the tournament progresses, the controversy surrounding the disciplinary actions has overshadowed France’s success in securing a place in the semi-finals. The semi-final match against England is set to take place on Saturday in Bristol at 15:30 local time. In the other semi-final, New Zealand will face Canada on Friday evening.
With the stakes high and emotions running deep, the outcome of the appeals will have significant implications for both players and their teams as they navigate the final stages of the tournament.
