France's Axelle Berthoumieu has ban cut to nine matches

Axelle Berthoumieu’s suspension for biting Ireland’s Aoife Wafer has been shortened to nine matches, while Manaé Feleu’s sanction was upheld, meaning both players will miss the remainder of the Women's Rugby World Cup.

France are set to face England in the semi-finals on Saturday but the two players were cited following their 18-13 quarter-final victory over Ireland last weekend.

Berthoumieu admitted to the biting incident but appealed the initial 12-match ban handed down by a disciplinary committee on Monday. Her suspension, which had originally been set at 18 matches, was reduced to nine due to her previously clean disciplinary record, expressions of remorse, and a public apology.

Berthoumieu apologised to Wafer on social media: “I lost my temper Sunday against Ireland. I know this is not acceptable and I am aware that this puts an end to my World Cup.

“I would like to apologise to Aoife Wafer and Team Ireland, my teammates and staff, FFR and all those who support us. It’s not the image I want to give, nor the player I want to be. I accept the sanction. Rugby is a respect sport and this gesture has nothing to do on a rugby field.”

Feleu challenged her three-match suspension for a dangerous tackle during the Ireland game. While she acknowledged that foul play took place, she disagreed with the length of the penalty.

The appeal was rejected after the committee concluded: “The tackle was high, it made contact with the head of the Ireland player, and the degree of danger was high.”