French Rugby Players Cleared of Aggravated Rape Charges in Argentina

An Argentine court has dismissed aggravated rape charges against French rugby players Hugo Auradou and Oscar Jegou, according to their legal representatives. The two players, both 21 years old, were taken into custody in July in Mendoza, two days after their first international appearances during France’s victory against Argentina. They faced accusations of raping a 39-year-old woman in a hotel room within the city, but they maintained their innocence, asserting that the sexual encounter was consensual. Following the hearing in Mendoza, lawyer Rafael Cuneo Libarona informed Reuters that “The judge has just ordered the players to be acquitted, arguing that the act was not a crime.” Lawyer German Hnatow further stated, “As we expected, the French players have been acquitted because the sexual act was consensual, meaning there was no crime and no doubt that they are innocent.” The French Rugby Federation (FFR) expressed its reception of the ruling with “relief and satisfaction,” confirming that both players are once again eligible to represent the national team. The court had granted Auradou and Jegou permission to return to their home country in September, approximately two months following their arrest. Prior to this, they had been held in custody for slightly over a week, followed by a period under house arrest. Subsequently, they were allowed to travel to Buenos Aires, Argentina’s capital, while their request to return to France was being reviewed. Since their return home, both athletes have resumed playing for their respective club teams. Auradou, a lock, has participated in eight matches for Pau, while Jegou, a flanker, has played four matches for La Rochelle, including scoring a try in the Champions Cup win against Bath on Friday. In October, the FFR implemented a ban on alcohol consumption for players during national team gatherings, a measure intended to enhance off-field discipline in the wake of the Argentina tour. During the same tour, France full-back Melvyn Jaminet received a 34-week suspension and a 30,000 euro (£25,335) fine from the FFR for sharing a racist video on social media.