French player faces a disciplinary hearing for biting Wexford star Aoife Wafer

France flanker Axelle Berthoumieu has been cited for biting an Ireland player in the Women’s Rugby World Cup quarterfinals…

The French player allegedly bit Wexford and Irish rugby star, Aoife Wafer, in the quarter-final stages of the competition on Sunday. France won the quarter-final game 18-13 on Sunday in Exeter, but the main talking point from the game was no doubt this incident.

Axelle Berthoumieu now faces a disciplinary hearing on Monday afternoon.

Videos and pictures of the incident showed Berthoumieu on the bottom of a ruck with her mouth apparently on the arm of Wafer.

Such a measured, admirable take from Stacey Flood on that iffy footage of Axelle Berthoumieu as Aoife Wafer was going in for a steal

The French flanker has been cited after footage was reviewed, post-match pic.twitter.com/tiI3qego3v
— Pat McCarry (@patmccarry) September 14, 2025

Wexford woman Wafer then showed her arm to referee, Aimee Barrett-Theron, and informed her captain, Sam Monaghan to address the incident with the referee.

“I spoke to the referee,” Ireland captain Sam Monaghan said. “Aoife told me, I didn’t see it myself, but I spoke to the referee and asked them.”

However, the referee did not take any on-field action.

Vidoe of incident:

#RWC2025 #FRAvIRE

Think this shows pretty clear the bite on Aoife Wafer. Utterly ridiculous this wasn't picked up during the game. pic.twitter.com/lO5GbDrvMs
— Martin (@_PMCTraitor) September 14, 2025

On social media, many users commented on the incident, noting that it has no place in sport.

“This type of behaviour has no place in Rugbyor any sport. The French player is clearly biting Aoife Wafer. This type of act should be an instant red card and a lengthy ban,” one user commented.