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Bemand Not Drawn on Alleged Wafer Bite
Axelle Berthoumieu faces a likely suspension after biting Aoife Wafer during the Women's Rugby World Cup quarter-final, an incident missed by officials but captured on video.
- On September 14, 2025, French back-rower Axelle Berthoumieu appears to have bitten Ireland backrower Aoife Wafer during the France v Ireland quarter-final at Sandy Park, Exeter, overshadowing France's 18-13 comeback win.
- Aoife Wafer gestured to her arm after the ruck, and Ireland captain Sam Monaghan said `I spoke to the referee, I didn׳t see it`; teams have four hours and the citing commissioner 12 hours to review.
- Footage that circulated on social media suggests BBC footage showed Berthoumieu on the bottom of a ruck with her mouth on Wafer's arm, and Wafer received medical attention after the incident, while players later pointed to replays on the big screen at Sandy Park.
- France team advances to the semi-finals but risks losing Axelle Berthoumieu for the tournament's disciplinary process after the incident, with potential lengthy suspension expected.
- The controversy compounds a bitter end for Ireland as the result ends hopes of a second-ever World Cup semi-final; only one player out of 32 had prior World Cup experience, and coaches Scott Bemand and Sam Monaghan stressed this young squad's long-term cycle and pride.
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14 Articles
14 Articles
The Aveyronnaise Axelle Berthoumieu is suspected of having violently bitten the arm of an Irish player during the French victory, this Sunday 14 September in Exeter, in the quarter-finals of the World Cup...
Associated Press News+4 Reposted by 4 other sources
Ireland player alleges being bitten by Frenchwoman in Rugby World Cup quarterfinal
Ireland captain Sam Monaghan asked the match referee about an alleged biting incident during the loss to France in the Women’s Rugby World Cup quarterfinal in Exeter.
·United States
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Ireland to review next steps following Aoife Wafer bite complaint
Ireland captain Sam Monaghan confirmed she had also relayed her concerns about the incident to Barrett Theron following the 18-13 defeat at Sandy Park which sees France progress to a semi-final next Sunday in Bristol against either England or Scotland.
·Ireland
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources14
Leaning Left9Leaning Right0Center1Last UpdatedBias Distribution90% Left
Bias Distribution
- 90% of the sources lean Left
90% Left
L 90%
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