Wafer biter banned for 12 matches

FRANCE’S Axelle Berthoumieu has been hit with a 12-match ban for biting Ireland's Aoife Wafer in Sunday's World Cup quarterfinal.

- BY PAUL O'HEHIR

The incident (above) happened during the early stages of the second half at Sandy Park, in a game where Ireland led 13-0 at halftime but ended up losing 18-13.

Ireland back row Wafer complained to officials at the time but the television match official said he did not have enough evidence to send Berthoumieu off.

But Berthoumieu was cited on review and the Independent Foul Play Review Committee studied footage yesterday and Berthoumieu was hit with an 18-game suspension.