France's Axelle Berthoumieu accepts biting charge and given lengthy ban

An Independent Foul Play Review Committee (FPRC) has reviewed the cases of France players Axelle Berthoumieu and Manae Feleu following France’s Rugby World Cup 2025 quarter-final victory over Ireland in Exeter on Sunday 14th September.

Berthoumieu was cited for an alleged bite on Ireland’s Aoife Wafer. The committee reviewed the matter including written, evidence obtained post-match, as well as all broadcast angles, and upheld the citing. The France back row accepted the charge with the committee proposing a 12 week ban.

Whilst Berthoumieu accepted she was guilty of biting and warranted a red card, the back row’s proposed length of the sanction is being appealed and the matter will be heard by a Disciplinary Committee, scheduled for Tuesday 16th September.

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Ireland captain Sam Monaghan said post-match that she did speak to the match referee when Wafer alleged she was bitten in the 42nd minute of the match when Ireland were leading 13-0.

However 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. The match ended with France eventual winners 18-13.

The outcome of the FPRC hearing also found France co-captain Feleu guilty of dangerous tackling and proposed a three-match sanction (reduced to two on successful completion of the Coaching Intervention Programme).

The second row has not accepted the proposed sanction and will also appeal. At present both players will miss France’s upcoming semi-final against England and either the Bronze or Final match on Saturday 27th September.