France player Axelle Berthoumieu has been cited for an alleged biting incident during her team's Rugby World Cup quarterfinal victory over Ireland this morning NZT.
It is alleged that flanker Berthoumieu bit opposite Aoife Wafter at Sandy Park in Exeter during France's 18-13 win.
Ireland captain Sam Monaghan asked the match referee about the incident, but no action was taken at the time.
Watch the alleged biting incident on TVNZ+
Video of the incident by broadcaster BBC showed Berthoumieu on the bottom of a ruck with her mouth apparently on the arm of Wafer. Wafer then seemed to show her arm to referee Aimee Barrett-Theron.
“I spoke to the referee,” Monaghan said. "Aoife told me, I didn’t see it myself, but I spoke to the referee and asked them.”
Ireland coach Scott Bemand was asked about it afterwards. “I think in terms of process, your on-pitch leadership would mention to the referee,” Bemand said. "Then it's up to the team officials to deal with it, should they see fit at that point.
“At the moment, I haven't seen anything. If there are bits to pursue, we could potentially be disappointed but we've followed the process as best we can from our perspective in terms of the on-pitch conversations.”
Berthoumieu and teammate Manae Feleu were later cited for separate incidents of foul play after the match following a report by independent citing commissioner Jeff Mark, from Wales.
The pair will have their cases reviewed by an independent Foul Play Review Committee tonight, UK time.
Berthoumieu was cited for an action contrary to Law 9.12 (biting), while lock Felu was cited for an action contrary to Law 9.13 (dangerous tackling).
France's victory means they will play England in a semifinal on Sunday.
The Black Ferns qualified for a semifinal against Canada in Bristol on Saturday morning NZT after beating South Africa 46-17 in their quarterfinal.
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