In a dramatic turn of events at the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup in Exeter, England, French rugby player Axelle Berthoumieu has been handed a 12-match suspension following an incident of foul play during France’s hard-fought 18-13 quarterfinal victory over Ireland on Sunday. The 25-year-old forward was found guilty of biting Ireland’s Aoife Wafer during a heated moment in the match, an act that has sparked widespread debate within the rugby community. Additionally, France’s co-captain Manae Feleu faces a three-match ban for a dangerous tackle in the same game, further compounding the disciplinary challenges for the French women’s team as they prepare for their semifinal clash against hosts England.
The Incident: A Bite That Sparked Controversy
The quarterfinal match between France and Ireland was a tightly contested affair, characterized by intense physicality and high stakes as both teams vied for a place in the semifinals of the prestigious tournament. With the scoreline close and tensions running high, the incident involving Berthoumieu occurred during a penalty turnover in the second half. Television replays later revealed what appeared to be Berthoumieu biting the arm of Ireland’s Aoife Wafer, a moment that went unnoticed by match officials in real time.
Ireland’s captain, Sam Monaghan, was quick to bring the incident to the attention of referee Aimee Barrett-Theron, but the Television Match Official (TMO) was unable to identify “clear and obvious foul play” during the live review. The lack of immediate action on the field allowed the game to continue without interruption, with France ultimately securing the victory thanks to their resilient defense and clinical attacking play. However, the post-match review process, conducted by World Rugby’s independent Foul Play Review Committee (FPRC), brought the incident into sharp focus, leading to significant consequences for Berthoumieu and the French team.
World Rugby’s Ruling: A 12-Match Ban for Berthoumieu
Following a thorough investigation, the FPRC confirmed Berthoumieu’s 12-match suspension, a decision that has sent shockwaves through the rugby world. The committee’s ruling was based on a detailed analysis of video evidence, which showed Berthoumieu engaging in an act of foul play that contravened the sport’s laws and values. Biting, classified as a serious offense under World Rugby regulations, carries a maximum sanction of 18 matches. However, the panel took several mitigating factors into account when determining the length of Berthoumieu’s ban.
In its official statement, the FPRC noted that Berthoumieu had shown genuine remorse for her actions and had promptly admitted to the foul play. These factors, combined with her clean disciplinary record prior to this incident, contributed to the reduction of the suspension from the maximum penalty to 12 matches. The committee emphasized that the decision was made to uphold the integrity of the game while acknowledging the player’s accountability.
“The TMO was unable to determine clear and obvious foul play live and did not have additional evidence to corroborate,” the FPRC explained. “However, upon review of all available footage, the committee concluded that the incident constituted a red-card offense, warranting a significant sanction.”
The Impact on Berthoumieu and France’s World Cup Campaign
The 12-match ban has far-reaching implications for both Berthoumieu and the French women’s rugby team. If the suspension is upheld, Berthoumieu will miss the remainder of the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, including France’s highly anticipated semifinal against England on Saturday, September 20, 2025. Depending on the outcome of that match, she will also be absent for either the tournament final or the bronze medal match, scheduled for September 27, 2025. Beyond the World Cup, the ban extends to 10 matches in her domestic season with her club, meaning she will not be eligible to return to competitive rugby until March 1, 2026.
Berthoumieu, a rising star in French rugby, has expressed her intent to appeal the length of the suspension, while fully accepting responsibility for her actions. In a statement released through the French Rugby Federation (FFR), she apologized to Wafer, her teammates, and fans, acknowledging that her behavior fell short of the standards expected of a professional athlete. “I deeply regret my actions and the impact they have had on my team and the sport,” Berthoumieu said. “While I accept the committee’s finding of foul play, I believe the length of the ban is excessive, and I will be appealing to seek a fairer outcome.”
The appeal process, which is expected to take place later this week, will be closely watched by rugby stakeholders. A successful appeal could see Berthoumieu’s suspension reduced, potentially allowing her to return to the field sooner. However, the appeal carries risks, as the FPRC could choose to uphold or even increase the sanction if new evidence or arguments are presented.
For France, the absence of Berthoumieu is a significant blow as they prepare to face England, one of the tournament favorites, in front of a passionate home crowd in Exeter. Berthoumieu’s physicality and versatility in the forward pack have been key to France’s success in the tournament, and her absence will force head coach Gaëlle Mignot to make adjustments to the lineup and game plan. The team’s depth will be tested, with younger players likely to step into the spotlight as France aims to secure a place in the World Cup final.
Manae Feleu’s Suspension: A Double Blow for France
Adding to France’s disciplinary woes, co-captain Manae Feleu has been handed a three-match ban for a dangerous tackle in the same quarterfinal match against Ireland. The tackle, which occurred during a high-intensity passage of play, was deemed to have breached World Rugby’s safety guidelines, prompting the FPRC to impose the sanction. Like Berthoumieu, Feleu has accepted that foul play occurred but is appealing the severity of the punishment, arguing that the tackle was not intentional and did not warrant such a lengthy ban.
Feleu’s suspension will see her miss the semifinal against England, as well as two additional matches, which could include the World Cup final or bronze medal match, depending on France’s progress in the tournament. Her absence is particularly significant given her leadership role within the team. As co-captain, Feleu has been instrumental in guiding France through a challenging campaign, and her experience and composure will be sorely missed in the high-stakes semifinal.
The dual suspensions of Berthoumieu and Feleu have raised questions about the discipline and culture within the French team. While both players have expressed remorse and taken responsibility for their actions, the incidents have cast a shadow over France’s otherwise impressive World Cup campaign. The team’s ability to regroup and refocus will be critical as they face a formidable English side that has been in scintillating form throughout the tournament.
The Broader Context: Discipline in Women’s Rugby
The suspensions of Berthoumieu and Feleu come at a time when women’s rugby is experiencing unprecedented growth and visibility. The 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup has been hailed as a landmark event for the sport, with record-breaking attendance and global broadcast figures reflecting the increasing popularity of women’s rugby. However, incidents of foul play, such as biting and dangerous tackles, risk undermining the sport’s reputation and its commitment to fair play and player safety.
World Rugby has taken a firm stance on disciplinary matters in recent years, implementing stricter guidelines and enhanced review processes to ensure that acts of foul play are addressed promptly and consistently. The use of video technology, including TMO reviews and post-match analysis, has become a cornerstone of modern rugby officiating, allowing for greater accuracy in identifying and penalizing offenses. The FPRC’s handling of the Berthoumieu and Feleu cases underscores this commitment to upholding the sport’s values, even in high-profile tournaments.
The biting incident, in particular, has reignited discussions about the nature of foul play in rugby. Biting is considered one of the most serious offenses in the sport, alongside eye-gouging and deliberate acts of violence, due to its potential to cause physical and psychological harm. The rarity of biting incidents in professional rugby makes Berthoumieu’s case all the more notable, drawing comparisons to past controversies, such as the infamous biting allegations during the 2003 Rugby World Cup involving a men’s player.
Critics argue that the 12-match ban, while significant, may not go far enough to deter similar incidents in the future. Others, however, believe that Berthoumieu’s remorse and clean record justify the reduced sanction, and that the focus should be on rehabilitation and education rather than punitive measures. The appeal process will provide further clarity on how World Rugby balances these competing considerations.
Reactions from the Rugby Community
The suspensions have elicited a range of reactions from players, coaches, and fans. Ireland’s Aoife Wafer, the player bitten by Berthoumieu, has chosen not to comment publicly on the incident, focusing instead on her team’s performance and their preparation for the bronze medal match. Ireland’s head coach, however, expressed disappointment that the incident was not addressed during the match, arguing that real-time intervention could have altered the game’s outcome.
Within France, the reaction has been one of mixed emotions. While there is widespread support for Berthoumieu and Feleu as individuals, some fans and analysts have criticized the players’ actions as unprofessional and damaging to the team’s reputation. Others have rallied behind the players, emphasizing their contributions to French rugby and urging supporters to focus on the team’s upcoming challenges rather than dwelling on the disciplinary issues.
The English team, France’s next opponents, have remained tight-lipped about the suspensions, with head coach John Mitchell stating that his team is focused solely on their own performance. “We respect the decisions made by World Rugby and wish both players well in their appeals,” Mitchell said in a press conference. “Our job is to prepare for a tough match against a very talented French side.”
Looking Ahead: France’s Semifinal Challenge
As France prepares for their semifinal against England, the team faces the daunting task of overcoming the loss of two key players while competing against one of the world’s top teams. England, who have been dominant throughout the tournament, boast a formidable forward pack and a dynamic backline, making them a formidable opponent. The absence of Berthoumieu and Feleu will test France’s depth and resilience, but it also presents an opportunity for other players to step up and make their mark on the global stage.
The French coaching staff has already begun making adjustments to the lineup, with emerging talents expected to fill the voids left by the suspended players. The team’s ability to adapt and maintain their cohesion will be crucial in what promises to be a thrilling encounter. A victory over England would propel France into the World Cup final, where they would face either New Zealand or Canada, both of whom have also shown impressive form in the tournament.
Conclusion: A Test of Character for French Rugby
The suspensions of Axelle Berthoumieu and Manae Feleu have added an unexpected layer of drama to France’s 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup campaign. While the disciplinary actions have cast a shadow over the team’s achievements, they also provide an opportunity for reflection and growth. The French team, known for its passion and flair, now faces the challenge of proving that they can rise above adversity and compete at the highest level.
As the rugby world awaits the outcome of the players’ appeals, the focus will soon shift back to the field, where France’s semifinal showdown with England promises to be a defining moment in the tournament. For Berthoumieu and Feleu, the road to redemption will be long, but their willingness to take responsibility for their actions offers hope for their future contributions to the sport. In a game built on respect, resilience, and camaraderie, the French team’s response to this setback will speak volumes about their character and ambition.
