Biting Allegation casts Shadow Over France’s World Cup Quarter-Final Win Against Ireland
Exeter, England – A potential biting incident involving France’s Axelle Berthoumieu has overshadowed their hard-fought 18-13 victory over Ireland in a Women’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final at Sandy Park on Saturday, September 14th. The allegation, which surfaced after the match, threatens to derail France’s campaign as they prepare for a semi-final clash against tournament hosts England.
Ireland had established a commanding 13-0 lead by halftime, but France mounted a spirited second-half comeback to secure the win. Though, the focus quickly shifted following footage appearing to show berthoumieu biting Ireland’s Aoife Wafer during a breakdown in play.
Wafer immediately alerted referee Aimee barrett-Theron,gesturing to her arm and indicating she had been bitten. Ireland captain Sam Monaghan confirmed she raised the issue with officials post-incident. “I spoke to the referee,” Monaghan said. “Aoife told me – I didn’t see it myself but I spoke to the referee and asked them.”
World Rugby has confirmed that berthoumieu, along with teammate Manae Feleu, will face a review by an autonomous Foul Play Review Committee on Monday, September 15th. Feleu has been cited for hazardous tackling. The citing complaints where received from independent Citing Commissioner Jeff Mark (Wales).
Berthoumieu has been cited for an action contrary to Law 9.12 (biting), an offense carrying a minimum 12-match ban under World Rugby’s disciplinary code. A ban of that length would likely end her participation in the remainder of the tournament.
Former England captain Maggie Alphonsi condemned the alleged incident as “disgraceful.” Speaking to the BBC, she stated: “I hate seeing that in the game – men’s or women’s. It’s very clear. She should be punished for that. it’s sad becuase the Women’s Rugby World Cup has been a festivity. it’s such a shame that now the headlines are going to be dominated by a silly incident from a player who didn’t need to do that. Now she will potentially miss the rest of the World Cup.”
The outcome of the review will determine whether Berthoumieu faces disciplinary action and if France will be without a key player for their semi-final showdown against england next Saturday.
