French flanker Axelle Berthoumieu. Photo: AFP
France captain Manae Feleu and loose forward Axelle Berthoumieu will miss the rest of the Women's Rugby World Cup, after a disciplinary committee confirmed their bans.
They had appealed hefty suspensions handed down on Monday, with Berthoumieu's 12-match ban for biting reduced to nine games, after she apologised, but Feleu had her three-match ban for a dangerous tackle in Sunday's quarter-final win over Ireland upheld.
They will both play no further part in the tournament, as France prepare to take on heavily fancied England in Sunday's semi-final in Bristol.
Berthoumieu apologised on social media on Tuesday, saying: "I lost my temper on 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 [French Rugby Federation] 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 respectful sport and this gesture has nothing to do on a rugby field."
Feleu appealed against her ban, but World Rugby's disciplinary committee found the degree of danger was high.
- Reuters