• Axelle Berthoumieu banned for 12 matches for biting Ireland's Aoife Wafer
• Berthoumieu accepted her actions warranted a red card but is appealing the ban's length
• France captain Manae Feleu also faces a suspension for a dangerous tackle

France flanker Axelle Berthoumieu has been banned for 12 matches after being cited for biting Ireland's Aoife Wafer during the Women's Rugby World Cup quarterfinal. The incident occurred in the second half of France's 18-13 victory over Ireland on Sunday. Berthoumieu, 25, has accepted that her actions justified a red card, but she is appealing the severity of the sentence, which will rule her out of significant future matches, according to Le Monde and CBS News.

The biting incident was not addressed during the game, as the referee referred it to the Television Match Official (TMO), who could not determine "clear and obvious foul play" at the time. Subsequently, the citing commissioner charged Berthoumieu based on evidence gathered post-match, which led to the 12-match suspension after an initial 18-match penalty was reduced, according to BBC and CBS News.

Alongside Berthoumieu, France's captain Manae Feleu faces a three-match ban for a high tackle. Feleu has also contested her suspension, arguing that the incident did not warrant punishment. Both players' appeals are scheduled to be heard on Tuesday, and their absence could significantly impact France's prospects as they prepare for the semifinals, according to Le Monde and BBC.