Codorniou Calls for Sanctions in Auradou-Jégou Affair
Didier Codorniou, a candidate for the presidency of the French Rugby Federation (FFR), is urging the federation to impose sanctions on players Hugo Auradou and Oscar Jégou, who are facing serious allegations of aggravated rape stemming from an incident in Argentina. Codorniou, who is challenging incumbent Florian Grill in the upcoming election on October 19, expressed his concerns in a recent interview with AFP, stating that the players must be held accountable for their actions, regardless of the legal outcome.
Codorniou highlighted that both Auradou and Jégou, who represented the French national team, returned home intoxicated at an inappropriate hour, which he believes warrants disciplinary action. He criticized the FFR for allowing Auradou to return to play with his club Pau on October 5 and for Jégou's training resumption with La Rochelle, arguing that such actions reflect poorly on the federation's responsibility.
Legal Proceedings and FFR's Response
While Codorniou refrained from commenting on the ongoing legal proceedings, he emphasized the need for the federation to establish clearer guidelines for player conduct during tours. Current FFR president Florian Grill acknowledged that the lack of precise rules contributed to the decision not to sanction the players immediately. He assured that a more stringent framework would be implemented by the next national tour in November, allowing for appropriate disciplinary measures.
The Mendoza prosecutor's office in Argentina has requested a dismissal of the case against Auradou and Jégou, with a hearing scheduled for October 18 to review this request. Grill has also stated that the return of the two players to the national team is not an option while legal proceedings are ongoing. Codorniou's comments come amidst broader concerns about the reputation of the French rugby team, which he claims has been tarnished by this incident and others, including a recent suspension of player Melvyn Jaminet for racist remarks.
As the FFR election approaches, the focus on player conduct and the federation's accountability remains a hot topic among rugby fans and officials alike.
