Axelle Berthoumieu’s Sanction Reduced for Biting at Women’s Rugby World Cup
French rugby player Axelle Berthoumieu has had her suspension reduced for biting a rival in the World Cup quarter-final match against Ireland. Initially, the sanction was 12 matches, but after an appeal, it has been reduced to nine.
Berthoumieu admitted to biting Aoife Wafer during France’s 18-13 victory in the match played on Sunday at Sandy Park. This incident was considered a red card by the foul play review committee.
England’s selection will face France in the semi-finals after defeating Scotland.
Berthoumieu received an initial 12-match ban for biting the Irish player.
France secured their place in the semi-finals with a spectacular comeback.
An independent disciplinary committee determined on Tuesday that the original suspension was too extensive due to a procedural error, resulting in a reduction of three matches.Axelle Berthoumieu, on the left, admitted to biting Irish star Aoife Wafer during France’s quarter-final World Cup victory on Sunday.
Berthoumieu will not be able to participate in the remainder of the World Cup, missing the semi-final match against England and the final or the third-place match the following weekend.
In addition, her teammate in France, Manae Feleu, has also been excluded from the rest of the tournament due to a three-match ban for a dangerous tackle.
