In a crushing blow to France's Women's Rugby World Cup ambitions, the team will be without two of its pivotal players after a disciplinary panel handed down significant suspensions. Lock Agathe Berthoumieu and back-row Maëlle Feleu have been ruled out of the entire tournament following a hearing into their conduct during a summer Test match against Wales.
Berthoumieu's initial suspension has been reduced from twelve to nine games after the committee found her actions, which included making contact with the head of an opponent, warranted a mid-range entry point for punishment. The reduction was granted due to her good character and remorse, but the ban effectively ends her World Cup campaign.
In a separate but equally devastating ruling, teammate Maëlle Feleu received a nine-match suspension for a dangerous cleanout at a ruck, an incident that was deemed worthy of a red card. This decision shatters France's plans, robbing them of two key figures in their pack for the sport's most prestigious event.
The disciplinary outcome sends shockwaves through the rugby world, highlighting the sport's intensified focus on player safety and the severe consequences of on-field ill-discipline. For France, the task of regrouping and finding suitable replacements for such influential players begins immediately, with their World Cup hopes now hanging in the balance.
