1
{{item.n}}
France flanker Axelle Berthoumieu has said that her bite on Ireland’s Aoife Wafer on Sunday was “unacceptable”, adding that it has “no place on a rugby field.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Berthoumieu’s bite at the bottom of a ruck on her Irish counterpart in the early minutes of the second half at Sandy Park in Sunday’s World Cup quarter-final went viral online after the incident. Though she survived a review from the television match official, she was cited after the match.
An Independent Foul Play Review Committee (FPRC) handed the 25-year-old a 12-week ban on Monday, reduced from 18, meaning she will miss the rest of the tournament. France have appealed the sanction, which will be heard on Tuesday.
After finding the outcome of the hearing, Berthoumieu took to Instagram to issue an apology.
“On Sunday during the match against Ireland, I lost my cool,” she wrote. “I know it’s unacceptable and I’m aware that it puts an end to my World Cup.
“I would like to sincerely apologise to Aoife Wafer and the Irish team, to my teammates and our staff, to the FFR, and to all those who support us.
“This is not the image I want to project or the player I want to be. I accept the punishment and I take responsibility. Rugby is a sport of respect, and this gesture has no place on a rugby field.”
Berthoumieu was not the only player to fall foul of the disciplinary committee ahead of the semi-final against hosts England, with France co-captain Manae Feleu dealt a three-match ban (reduced to two on successful completion of the Coaching Intervention Programme) for a dangerous tackle.
ADVERTISEMENT
France have again appealed the sanction, but, as it stands, the pair will be missing for the trip to Bristol’s Ashton Gate Stadium on Saturday to face the Red Roses.