Women’s Rugby World Cup: Berthoumieu’s ban reduced for biting opponent

Axelle Berthoumieu’s Suspension Reduced for Bite at Rugby World Cup

French rugby player Axelle Berthoumieu has had her suspension reduced for biting a rival during the Women’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final match against Ireland. Initially, Berthoumieu was sanctioned with a 12-match suspension, but after an appeal, the sanction was reduced to nine matches. Berthoumieu admitted to having bitten Aoife Wafer during France’s 18-13 victory in the match held at Sandy Park. An independent disciplinary commission determined on Tuesday that the initial suspension was too long due to a procedural error, resulting in a reduction of three matches.

Berthoumieu will not be able to participate in the remainder of the World Cup, missing the semi-final against England and the final or the third-place match the following weekend. Her teammate in France, Manae Feleu, was also ruled out for the rest of the tournament due to a three-match suspension for a dangerous tackle.