Controversy Erupts in Women’s Rugby World Cup: Axelle Berthoumieu’s Suspension Appeal
In a dramatic turn of events during the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, French flanker Axelle Berthoumieu has admitted to biting Ireland’s Aoife Wafer during a quarterfinal match, prompting a significant disciplinary response. Berthoumieu’s actions have led to a 12-match suspension, which she is now appealing, raising questions about player conduct and the integrity of the sport.
Incident Overview
The incident occurred on September 14, 2025, during a tense quarterfinal match held at Sandy Park in Exeter, England. France was trailing 13-0 when the biting incident took place. Wafer accused Berthoumieu of biting her arm, a claim that was initially overlooked by the on-field officials. However, the referee referred the matter to the Television Match Official (TMO) for further review. According to reports from BBC News, footage showed Wafer inspecting her arm immediately after the incident, suggesting that something untoward had occurred.
World Rugby later stated that the TMO could not determine clear foul play at the time, as they lacked additional evidence to support Wafer’s claims. However, following the match, Berthoumieu was cited by the citing commissioner, leading to a formal review of her actions.
Disciplinary Actions
During the foul play review hearing, Berthoumieu accepted that her actions warranted a red card and acknowledged the seriousness of the incident. The disciplinary panel initially set her suspension at 18 matches but later reduced it to 12 games, citing her remorse and acceptance of wrongdoing. However, they noted that full mitigation was not granted due to the severity of her actions and the opportunity she had to avoid the foul play.
The implications of this suspension are significant. If upheld, Berthoumieu would miss the remainder of the World Cup and be ineligible to play until March 1, 2026. Her appeal is scheduled to be heard on Tuesday, and the outcome could have a profound impact on France’s chances in the tournament.
Leadership Under Scrutiny
Adding to the controversy, France’s captain, Manaé Feleu, is also facing disciplinary action. She has been cited for a dangerous tackle that went unpunished during the match. Feleu accepted that her actions constituted foul play but argued that they did not warrant a citing. The panel, however, found her guilty of head-on-head contact at speed, which could further jeopardize France’s title aspirations.
Feleu’s appeal will also be heard on Tuesday, and her potential absence from the semifinals could be a significant blow to the French team, which is aiming for its first World Cup title.
Historical Context
The biting incident involving Berthoumieu is not an isolated case in rugby history. Similar incidents have occurred in both men’s and women’s rugby, often leading to severe penalties. The sport has long grappled with issues of player conduct, particularly concerning dangerous play and unsportsmanlike behavior.
In 2013, for instance, South African player Bakkies Botha received a lengthy suspension for biting an opponent during a match. Such incidents have prompted World Rugby to implement stricter regulations and disciplinary measures to maintain the sport’s integrity.
Reactions from the Rugby Community
The rugby community has reacted strongly to the incident. Former England World Cup winner Maggie Alphonsi described the alleged biting as a “disgrace,” emphasizing that such behavior should not be tolerated in the sport. Alphonsi’s comments reflect a broader sentiment among players and fans who expect high standards of conduct on the field.
The incident has sparked discussions about the need for clearer guidelines and stricter enforcement of rules regarding player conduct. As rugby continues to grow in popularity, particularly among women, maintaining the sport’s integrity is paramount.
Conclusion
The ongoing appeals by Axelle Berthoumieu and Manaé Feleu highlight the complexities of player conduct in high-stakes competitions like the Women’s Rugby World Cup. As the tournament progresses, the outcomes of these appeals will not only affect the players involved but could also have lasting implications for the sport as a whole. With the world watching, the rugby community is left to ponder the balance between competitive spirit and sportsmanship, a challenge that remains ever-present in the world of rugby.
