LONDON (AP) — France flanker Axelle Berthoumieu admitted to biting Ireland's Aoife Wafer in their Women's Rugby World Cup quarterfinal but appealed her 12-match suspension on Monday.

France captain Manaé Feleu was also appealing a three-game suspension which also threatens to rule her out of the World Cup semifinal against England and the final or bronze final.

Berthoumieu's admission occurred in a foul play review hearing. The panel said she accepted her bite was worthy of a red card and the off-field citing was warranted.

No action was taken against her on the field at the time.

Wafer accused Berthoumieu of biting her arm during France's 18-13 win on Sunday in Exeter. The referee referred it to the Television Match Official to review footage.

World Rugby said in a statement, “In rev

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