France star hit with lengthy ban after biting Ireland player's arm 

France’s Axelle Berthoumieu has been hit with a 12-match ban for biting Ireland’s Aoife Wafer in Sunday’s World Cup quarter-final.

The incident happened early in the second-half at Sandy Park, in a game where Ireland led 13-0 at half-time but ended up losing 18-13.

Ireland back row Wafer complained to officials at the time but the television match official said he did not have enough evidence to send Berthoumieu off.

But Berthoumieu was cited on review and the Independent Foul Play Review Committee (FPRC) studied footage today and Berthoumieu was hit with an 18 game suspension.

That has been reduced to 12 but it means she will not play for France again at the World Cup and won’t be available for another international until March 2026.

Berthoumieu is appealing the length of her suspension.

France are also reeling as their captain Manae Feleu has also been slapped with a suspension that could end her participation in the World Cup.

She received a three game ban for a high tackle on an Irish player but it could be reduced on an appeal that will be heard later today.

After beating Ireland in the quarter-finals, France are through to a World Cup semi-final against England this weekend.