French Players Berthoumieu and Feleu Suspended Ahead of Semifinal Clash Against England

In a significant blow to the French women's rugby team, players Margaux Berthoumieu and Malia Feleu have been suspended and will miss the upcoming semifinal match against England in the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025. The suspensions came after the quarter-final match against the USA, where both players were penalized for serious infractions during the game, impacting their eligibility for the crucial knockout stage.

The disciplinary board ruled that Berthoumieu’s actions during the game warranted a suspension, further complicated by Feleu's similar infractions, although the extent of her suspension has been under discussion. According to unnamed sources close to the team's management, head coach Annick Hayraud is now forced to reconsider her lineup, as both players are integral to the team’s strategy and performance.

As the French team prepares to take on a formidable England side, which previously defeated the USA 45-10 in their quarter-final, concerns over missing key players like Berthoumieu and Feleu hang heavily. This comes just days ahead of their match scheduled for September 18, 2025, underlining the stakes for the French team amid intense competition.