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

In line with the scope of the new expedited off-field sanction process, neither player accepted the sanctions proposed by the Foul Play Review Committee (FPRC) following the initial hearing on 15 September, triggering the appeal. Berthoumieu appealed against the 12-match suspension duration, while Feleu denied that the offence warranted a red card. 

The independent Disciplinary Committee, chaired by Christopher Quinlan KC (Judicial Panel Chair), joined by Juan Pablo Spirandelli (Argentina) and Bogdan Zebega (Romania), reviewed both cases in turn. 

Axelle Berthoumieu 

The player admitted committing an act of foul play contrary to Law 9.12 and that the act merited a red card. The Disciplinary Committee agreed and concluded that the appropriate entry point was mid-range. Therefore, the starting point is a suspension of 18 weeks. 

In considering mitigation, in light of the player’s admission, her clean disciplinary record, her remorse and public apology, the committee concluded that the player was entitled to full mitigation of 50 per cent.

The FPRC had taken a different view to the level of mitigation, stating: “Full mitigation was not given due to the seriousness of the player’s actions as it appeared from the video footage that the player appeared to nudge Ireland number seven’s forearm twice before she bit her, suggesting an intention to bite the Ireland player, and two opportunities to stop and not continue with a bite, not taken by the player.”

However, the committee decided that, pursuant to World Rugby Regulation 17, those factors are relevant to the assessment of the seriousness of the conduct (i.e. the entry point) but not to an assessment of the extent of mitigation. Therefore, the Disciplinary Committee discounted nine weeks, not six weeks, from the starting point of 18 weeks and imposed a final sanction of nine weeks.

As a result, Berthoumieu has been suspended for nine matches and will miss the remainder of France’s Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 fixtures, including the upcoming semi-final against England and either the bronze final or final on 27 September, and a further seven matches in her domestic championship.

Manae Feleu 

The player admitted committing an act of foul play contrary to Law 9.13 (dangerous tackle) but disputed that it merited a red card. After reviewing the submissions, the Disciplinary Committee concluded that the tackle was high, it made contact with the head of the Ireland player and the degree of danger was high. Accordingly, the committee upheld the citing.

Appendix 1 to World Rugby Regulation 17 mandates a minimum mid-range entry point of six weeks, and the committee determined no grounds for change. In light of the player’s admission, the fact she has not been sent off or cited before, and other features of mitigation, Feleu is entitled to the full 50 per cent mitigation, resulting in in a final sanction of three matches, consistent with the FPRC’s original recommendation. This can be reduced to two matches if Feleu successfully completes the Coaching Intervention Programme. 

Accordingly, Feleu will miss the remainder of France’s Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 fixtures, including the upcoming semi-final against England and either the bronze final or final on 27 September. 

Under the process, there is no further right of appeal.

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

Visit World Rugby’s disciplinary hub here.