French pair handed Women's World Cup bans but will appeal

France loose forward Axelle Berthoumieu was handed an effective six-month ban for biting at the Women’s Rugby World Cup while captain Manae Feleu was ruled out of the rest of the tournament for a dangerous tackle, World Rugby said on Monday.

The two players will appeal against the sanctions, however, ahead of France’s semifinal against top-ranked England, and a hearing on Tuesday will determine their fate.

Berthoumieu was handed a 12-match ban, which will rule her out until March, for biting Ireland’s Aoife Wafer in Sunday’s quarterfinal while Feleu was cited for dangerous play in the same match and banned for three games.