In a shocking incident to come out of the Women’s Rugby World Cup this past weekend, France star Axelle Berthoumieu was cited for biting an opposing player, and a massive ban has now been handed down.
Berthoumieu was cited after footage emerge showing her seemingly biting the arm of Ireland’s Aoife Wafer, who immediately seemed to react to the act, and sought to bring it to the attention of the officials.
Although it was not immediately spotted by the match-day officials, World Rugby understandably cited her after the game, and a six-month ban will mean she is only free to play after 1 March, 2026.
“The (disciplinary) committee reviewed the matter including written, evidence obtained post-match, as well as all broadcast angles, and determined that Berthoumieu’s actions were contrary to Law 9.12 (physical abuse, biting) and upheld the citing,” a World Rugby statement revealed.
“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.
“On the basis of all the evidence before them, the committee decided that the offending warranted the mandatory mid-range entry point of 18 matches. The committee awarded a deduction of six matches resulting in a final sanction of 12 matches.
“Although the player acknowledged the foul play and was remorseful full mitigation was not given due to the seriousness of the player’s actions, and that the player had the opportunity not to continue with the action.
“It was therefore proposed that Berthoumieu is suspended for the remainder of France’s Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 matches, their upcoming semi-final against England and either the bronze final or final on 27 September, and a further 10 matches in her domestic championship.”
Women’s rugby player to contest ban
Although Berthoumieu has admitted her wrongdoing, she will appeal the length of the ban and will also face a disciplinary committee to plead for a shorter sanction.
The flanker has since issued an apology to Wafer in an emotional statement shared on her social media accounts.
“On Sunday during the match against Ireland, I lost my cool,” she wrote. “I know it’s not acceptable and I’m aware that it brings an end to my World Cup. I wish to offer my sincere apologies to Aoife Wafer and the Ireland team, to my teammates and our staff, to the FFR as well as to all those who support us.
“This is not the image I want to give nor the player I want to be. I accept the sanction and I take responsibility. Rugby is a sport of respect and this gesture has no place on a rugby field.”
