Bordeaux: France’s hopes of reaching the Women’s Rugby World Cup final have suffered a major setback after flanker Axelle Berthoumieu and captain Manaé Feleu were both suspended following their quarter-final victory over Ireland.
Berthoumieu was banned for 12 matches after being found guilty of biting Ireland’s Aoife Wafer during the clash in Bordeaux, a sanction reduced from an initial 18-game suspension. The flanker is appealing against the length of the ban, which would keep her sidelined until March 2026 if upheld.
Feleu, meanwhile, received a three-match suspension for a high tackle in the same game. Her ban could be cut to two matches if she undertakes a coaching intervention programme, but she too has lodged an appeal, arguing the incident did not meet the citing threshold. Both players faced disciplinary hearings, with appeals scheduled.
The bans mean France will be without two key forwards for semi-final against England, the world’s top-ranked side, at Twickenham. Feleu’s absence is felt particularly damaging, as the captain has been one of France’s standout performers throughout the tournament.
Despite the setbacks, France advanced to the last four after a hard-fought 18-13 comeback win over Ireland. England, unbeaten in their past 31 games, sealed their semi-final spot with a victory over Scotland.
The Red Roses remain firm favourites to lift the trophy in front of a sold-out Twickenham crowd on September 27. They will face either Canada or New Zealand in the final should they progress. The other semi-final takes place soon.
Ireland co-captain Sam Monaghan confirmed the alleged bite was raised with officials during the match.
France had topped their pool with wins over Italy, Brazil, and South Africa, but their hopes of challenging England have been severely dented by the loss of two crucial players at the business end of the tournament.
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