France player handed 12-week ban for biting at Women's Rugby World Cup

The citing came after France's 18-13 victory in Exeter, where Wafer was seen showing her arm to the referee following an altercation at a ruck.

Although the match officials did not sanction the 25-year-old during the game, the citing commissioner highlighted the incident, leading the foul play review panel to impose a 12-match suspension - reduced from an initial 18-game entry point.

Berthoumieu has lodged an appeal against the punishment but will be sidelined for Saturday's semi-final against England at Ashton Gate in Bristol. She is set to be eligible again from 1 March 2026.

A statement from World Rugby read: "In reviewing the matter live, the TMO was unable to determine clear and obvious foul play and did not have the benefit of additional evidential submissions to corroborate.

"On the basis of all the evidence before them, the committee decided that the offending warranted the mandatory mid-range entry point of 18 matches. The committee awarded a deduction of six matches resulting in a final sanction of 12 matches.

"Although the player acknowledged the foul play and was remorseful full mitigation was not given due to the seriousness of the player's actions, and that the player had the opportunity not to continue with the action."

France suffered another major setback with skipper Manae Feleu also ruled out for the remainder of the World Cup after being handed a three-match suspension for a dangerous tackle. The ban could be cut to two games if she completes World Rugby's "tackle school" coaching programme.

Feleu admitted to foul play but argued that the challenge did not warrant a red card. Her appeal against the decision is scheduled to be heard on Tuesday.

If the punishment is upheld, she will miss both the semi-final against England's Red Roses and a potential final should France progress.

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