In a dramatic turn of events at the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025, France's Axelle Berthoumieu saw her controversial six-month biting ban reduced after a successful appeal, while teammate Manae Feleu's three-match suspension was upheld. Both players had been under intense scrutiny following incidents during the tournament that have sparked widespread debate and left fans questioning the consistency of World Rugby's disciplinary actions.
Feleu will miss out on crucial games, including France's semi-final clash against England, after the Disciplinary Committee confirmed her suspension for a dangerous tackle. Despite her admission of guilt and participation in a Coaching Intervention Programme, the impact of her actions was deemed too severe to adjust the original sanction. The tackle, which was high and made contact with an opponent's head, was categorized under Law 9.13 as dangerously executed.
Meanwhile, Berthoumieu's saga took a different twist. Initially hit with an 18-week suspension for biting Ireland's Aoife Wafer, the Foul Play Review Committee (FPRC) faced criticism for not providing full mitigation, which would have significantly shortened her ban. The independent Disciplinary Committee later reviewed and adjusted the sanction, reducing it to nine matches. They justified their decision by emphasizing the player's clean record and remorse.
"In considering mitigation, in light of the player’s admission, her clean disciplinary record, her remorse and public apology, the committee concluded that the player was entitled to full mitigation of 50 percent."
The FPRC had harshly commented on the player's actions, noting that Berthoumieu had multiple opportunities to cease her actions before the bite occurred. Their stance highlighted a perceived intent, affecting their decision on mitigation. However, the Disciplinary Committee disagreed, stating that those factors should influence the initial assessment of the conduct's seriousness rather than the extent of mitigation, leading to a reduced final sanction of nine weeks.
This decision means Berthoumieu will miss the remainder of the World Cup, including the critical semi-final and potentially the final or bronze match, and an additional seven matches in her domestic league. The differing views on her punishment have ignited a debate on the consistency and fairness of rugby's disciplinary measures, leaving the rugby community divided.
As the World Cup progresses, the outcomes of these disciplinary actions will undoubtedly continue to stir discussions among fans and experts alike, all while the players involved await their return to the field under the heavy shadow of controversy.
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In a dramatic turn of events at the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025, France's Axelle Berthoumieu saw her controversial six-month biting ban reduced after a successful appeal, while teammate Manae Feleu's three-match suspension was upheld. Both players had been under intense scrutiny following incidents during the tournament that have sparked widespread debate and left fans questioning the consistency of World Rugby's disciplinary actions.
Feleu will miss out on crucial games, including France's semi-final clash against England, after the Disciplinary Committee confirmed her suspension for a dangerous tackle. Despite her admission of guilt and participation in a Coaching Intervention Programme, the impact of her actions was deemed too severe to adjust the original sanction. The tackle, which was high and made contact with an opponent's head, was categorized under Law 9.13 as dangerously executed.
Meanwhile, Berthoumieu's saga took a different twist. Initially hit with an 18-week suspension for biting Ireland's Aoife Wafer, the Foul Play Review Committee (FPRC) faced criticism for not providing full mitigation, which would have significantly shortened her ban. The independent Disciplinary Committee later reviewed and adjusted the sanction, reducing it to nine matches. They justified their decision by emphasizing the player's clean record and remorse.
"In considering mitigation, in light of the player’s admission, her clean disciplinary record, her remorse and public apology, the committee concluded that the player was entitled to full mitigation of 50 percent."
The FPRC had harshly commented on the player's actions, noting that Berthoumieu had multiple opportunities to cease her actions before the bite occurred. Their stance highlighted a perceived intent, affecting their decision on mitigation. However, the Disciplinary Committee disagreed, stating that those factors should influence the initial assessment of the conduct's seriousness rather than the extent of mitigation, leading to a reduced final sanction of nine weeks.
This decision means Berthoumieu will miss the remainder of the World Cup, including the critical semi-final and potentially the final or bronze match, and an additional seven matches in her domestic league. The differing views on her punishment have ignited a debate on the consistency and fairness of rugby's disciplinary measures, leaving the rugby community divided.
As the World Cup progresses, the outcomes of these disciplinary actions will undoubtedly continue to stir discussions among fans and experts alike, all while the players involved await their return to the field under the heavy shadow of controversy.