As the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup heats up, France faces a significant setback with two key players, Axelle Berthoumieu and Manae Feleu, sidelined due to disciplinary actions. The French team, which recently edged out Ireland 18-13 to secure a spot in the semi-finals against New Zealand, now confronts the challenge without their star flanker and a key defender.
Berthoumieu's World Cup journey ended abruptly after an Independent Foul Play Review Committee found her guilty of biting Ireland’s Aoife Wafer during their quarter-final clash. The incident, which somehow eluded the TMO during live play, was later substantiated by multiple broadcast angles, leading to a hefty 12-game suspension for Berthoumieu. Although she admitted to the foul play and expressed remorse, the severity of her actions led to a significant sanction, sidelining her for the remainder of the World Cup and extending into her domestic season until March 2026.
"On Sunday during the match against Ireland, I lost my cool. This is not the image I want to give nor the player I want to be,"
On the other hand, Feleu is contesting her three-game suspension, which came as a result of a dangerous tackle deemed reckless by the committee. Despite the tackle involving contact at a dangerous height and speed, Feleu argues that it did not meet the red card threshold. Her appeal is set to be reviewed by a Disciplinary Committee.
The committee’s statement detailed that there was no significant drop in the tackled player's height that could have mitigated the impact, leading to their decision. If Feleu's appeal sees her completing a Coaching Intervention, her suspension could be reduced, allowing her a potential return for the final should France advance.
Both players have opted to challenge their respective bans, a move that underscores the high stakes and intense pressures of World Cup rugby. Berthoumieu, meanwhile, has taken to social media to extend her apologies to Wafer, the Ireland team, her teammates, and the French Rugby Federation, underscoring her regret and commitment to upholding the sport's values.
As France prepares to face the formidable New Zealand team, they do so not only battling opponents on the field but also managing significant disruptions within their ranks. How this will impact their campaign remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the drama off the field is just as intense as on it.
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As the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup heats up, France faces a significant setback with two key players, Axelle Berthoumieu and Manae Feleu, sidelined due to disciplinary actions. The French team, which recently edged out Ireland 18-13 to secure a spot in the semi-finals against New Zealand, now confronts the challenge without their star flanker and a key defender.
Berthoumieu's World Cup journey ended abruptly after an Independent Foul Play Review Committee found her guilty of biting Ireland’s Aoife Wafer during their quarter-final clash. The incident, which somehow eluded the TMO during live play, was later substantiated by multiple broadcast angles, leading to a hefty 12-game suspension for Berthoumieu. Although she admitted to the foul play and expressed remorse, the severity of her actions led to a significant sanction, sidelining her for the remainder of the World Cup and extending into her domestic season until March 2026.
"On Sunday during the match against Ireland, I lost my cool. This is not the image I want to give nor the player I want to be,"
On the other hand, Feleu is contesting her three-game suspension, which came as a result of a dangerous tackle deemed reckless by the committee. Despite the tackle involving contact at a dangerous height and speed, Feleu argues that it did not meet the red card threshold. Her appeal is set to be reviewed by a Disciplinary Committee.
The committee’s statement detailed that there was no significant drop in the tackled player's height that could have mitigated the impact, leading to their decision. If Feleu's appeal sees her completing a Coaching Intervention, her suspension could be reduced, allowing her a potential return for the final should France advance.
Both players have opted to challenge their respective bans, a move that underscores the high stakes and intense pressures of World Cup rugby. Berthoumieu, meanwhile, has taken to social media to extend her apologies to Wafer, the Ireland team, her teammates, and the French Rugby Federation, underscoring her regret and commitment to upholding the sport's values.
As France prepares to face the formidable New Zealand team, they do so not only battling opponents on the field but also managing significant disruptions within their ranks. How this will impact their campaign remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the drama off the field is just as intense as on it.