Independent disciplinary process update: Axelle Berthoumieu and Manae Feleu (France)

France’s Axelle Berthoumieu and Manae Feleu will have cases reviewed by an independent Foul Play Review Committee on Monday, 15 September following two separate citings arising from the France v Ireland at Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 Quarter-Final in Exeter on 14 September.

The citing complaints were received from the independent Citing Commissioner Jeff Mark (Wales).

Back row Axelle Berthoumieu has been cited for an action contrary to Law 9.12 (biting), while Second Row Manae Felu has been cited for an action contrary to Law 9.13 (dangerous tackling).

Both players will have their cases considered by an Independent Foul Play Review Committee (FPRC) on Monday, 15 September chaired by Brenda Heather-Latu (Samoa), and joined by David Croft (Australia) and Valeriu Toma (Romania).

As part of the expedited off-field sanction process in operation for Women’s Rugby World Cup, the citing window is limited to 12 hours following the final whistle. The FPRC will ordinarily convene after each match day to review red card incidents and citings. 

Any full disciplinary hearings required will typically be conducted by the Tuesday following the relevant match.

Read more about the expedited off-field sanction process here.