France’s Pauline Bourdon Sansus, right, is tackled by Ireland’s Aoife Wafer, bottom, and her teammate Dannah O’Brien during a Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 quarterfinal match between France and Ireland, in Exeter, England, Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
France’s Assia Khalfaoui, center, is tackled by Ireland’s Aoife Wafer, right, and her teammates during a Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 quarterfinal match between France and Ireland, in Exeter, England, Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
South Africa’s Catha Jacobs, center, is tackled by France’s Rose Bernadou and Manae Feleu during the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 pool D match between France and South Africa in Northampton, England, Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025. (Joe Giddens/PA via AP)
France player cited for biting in Women’s Rugby World Cup
LONDON (AP) — France flanker Axelle Berthoumieu was cited for biting an Ireland player in the Women’s Rugby World Cup quarterfinals and faces a disciplinary hearing on Monday.
France’s Pauline Bourdon Sansus, right, is tackled by Ireland’s Aoife Wafer, bottom, and her teammate Dannah O’Brien during a Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 quarterfinal match between France and Ireland, in Exeter, England, Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
LONDON (AP) — France flanker Axelle Berthoumieu was cited for biting an Ireland player in the Women’s Rugby World Cup quarterfinals and faces a disciplinary hearing on Monday.
Ireland opposite Aoife Wafer accused Berthoumieu of biting her during France’s 18-13 win on Sunday in Exeter.
Video of the incident showed Berthoumieu on the bottom of a ruck with her mouth apparently on the arm of Wafer. Wafer then seemed to show her arm to referee Aimee Barrett-Theron.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
“I spoke to the referee,” Ireland captain Sam Monaghan said. “Aoife told me, I didn’t see it myself, but I spoke to the referee and asked them.”
No action was taken on the field and Berthoumieu was charged after the game by citing commissioner Jeff Mark.
Mark also cited France captain Manaé Feleu for a dangerous tackle. She was yellow-carded in the first half for collapsing a maul.
To join the conversation set a first and last name in your user profile.
Sign in or register for free to join the Conversation