Correa and Mwayembe banned after red cards in France's narrow win over Australia

France props and locks will be stretched in the coming weeks after Cloé Correa and Ambre Mwayembe were handed bans by the Foul Play Review Committee following their red cards in France’s 29-26 WXV Global Series 2026 victory over Australia in Aix-en-Provence.

Loosehead prop Mwayembe, 22, accepted that her dangerous tackle — in which she made head contact with an Australian player — warranted a red card. The committee set a mid-range entry point and awarded 50% mitigation, resulting in a three-match ban that can be reduced to two upon successful completion of a coaching intervention programme. She will miss this weekend’s Test against Canada in La Rochelle, as well as tour fixtures against the Black Ferns in New Zealand.

Correa received a permanent red card for making eye contact with an opponent. The committee found that contact with the eye did occur, but ruled it was neither direct nor deliberate, setting a low-end entry point. With 50% mitigation applied after Correa accepted that foul play had taken place, the lock forward was banned for two matches. She will miss the Canada Test and France’s first Test against the Black Ferns next month.

Correa’s absence compounds a growing problem at lock for head coach François Ratier, who is already without captain Manae Feleu and Madoussou Fall Raclot.

The two dismissals left France playing with just 11 players at one point during the first half, making their eventual three-point victory all the more remarkable.

Separately, South Africa lock Danelle Lochner, who was sent off in the 35th minute of the same fixture following an upgrade by the Foul Play Review Officer, is set to face a full disciplinary hearing on Tuesday, 22 September.