French Rugby Stars Feleu and Berthoumieu Ruled Out of Women's Rugby World Cup Semifinal Against England

Key French Players Sidelined for Crucial Semifinal

France will face England in the Women's Rugby World Cup semifinal without two of their pivotal players, captain Manaé Feleu and flanker Axelle Berthoumieu. Both players had their appeals against suspensions rejected, confirming their absence from the highly anticipated match scheduled for Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Bristol's Ashton Gate Stadium.

Berthoumieu's Biting Incident Leads to Nine-Match Ban

Axelle Berthoumieu was initially handed a 12-match ban for biting Ireland's Aoife Wafer during France's 18-13 quarter-final victory on Sunday, September 14, 2025. While she accepted committing a red-card offense, Berthoumieu appealed the length of the sanction. An independent disciplinary committee subsequently reduced her ban to nine matches, citing her admission of guilt, clean disciplinary record, remorse, and public apology. Despite the reduction, the ban effectively rules her out for the remainder of the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup and prevents her from playing until March 1, 2026.

The incident involving Berthoumieu was not acted upon by match officials during the game, with the Television Match Official (TMO) 'unable to determine clear and obvious foul play' at the time. However, she was cited after the match, leading to the disciplinary proceedings.

Captain Feleu's Dangerous Tackle Suspension Upheld

Co-captain Manaé Feleu will also miss the semifinal after her three-match ban for a dangerous tackle during the same quarter-final against Ireland was upheld on appeal. Feleu, a lock, had challenged the decision, acknowledging foul play but arguing that her actions did not warrant a red card. However, a disciplinary committee concluded that the tackle was high, made contact with the head of the Ireland player, and carried a high degree of danger, thus upholding the original sanction. Her ban could be reduced by one match if she completes World Rugby's 'tackle school'.

Impact on France's World Cup Hopes

The absence of both Feleu, who has been a standout performer in her second World Cup, and Berthoumieu, represents a significant blow to France's aspirations of progressing past top-ranked England and reaching the final of the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup.