LONDON (AP) — France captain Manaé Feleu and flanker Axelle Berthoumieu will miss the Women's Rugby World Cup semifinal against England after failing to overturn their suspensions on Tuesday.

The double blow to France's title hopes followed Berthoumieu's nine-match ban for biting and Feleu's three-match ban for a dangerous tackle in their 18-13 quarterfinal win over Ireland on Sunday in Exeter.

Both players appealed their suspensions, and Berthoumieu got hers reduced from 12 weeks to nine because of her admission, clean disciplinary record, remorse and public apology.

Feleu's original ban was upheld.

The French forwards will miss the semifinal on Saturday in Bristol and the rest of the World Cup.

Feleu has been one of France's best at her second World Cup. One of her suspended games w

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