French Rugby Players Return Amid Controversy
Hugo Auradou and Oscar Jégou, two French international rugby players, made a discreet return to France on Wednesday after spending 58 days in Argentina under investigation for aggravated gang rape. The pair, who were released from a lengthy legal ordeal, arrived at Roissy Charles-de-Gaulle airport at 5:45 p.m. after taking an Air France flight from Buenos Aires. Their lawyer confirmed a planned 'media diet' as they navigate the ongoing legal proceedings surrounding the serious allegations against them.
The players were arrested on July 8 following a complaint by a 39-year-old Argentinian woman, who accused them of sexual assault in Mendoza. Auradou and Jégou maintain their innocence, asserting that the sexual encounter was consensual. The case has drawn significant media attention, and their lawyer, Me Antoine Vey, expressed a commitment to rehabilitate their public image and allow them to return to professional rugby as soon as possible.
Legal Proceedings and Future Prospects
Upon their return, both players must adhere to several legal stipulations, including appearing at the Argentine consulate in France if summoned. The Mendoza court had lifted the travel ban based on the prosecution's assessment that the accusations had 'lost their initial force.' Their lawyer, Rafael Cúneo Libarona, expressed confidence that the case would be dismissed within ten working days, calling it a 'horror film that should never have happened.'
As the players reunite with their families, the question remains about their immediate future in rugby. With the Top 14 league resuming this weekend, their clubs have expressed eagerness for their return, emphasizing their presumed innocence and the need for a fair resolution to the ongoing investigation.
- The players' return comes after a tumultuous period that included house arrest and electronic monitoring. They were allowed to leave Argentina following a court hearing that acknowledged the prosecution's lack of opposition to their departure. Their lawyer criticized the initial complaint as unfounded, while the plaintiff's legal representative vowed to contest the dismissal request, stating that the investigation remains incomplete. Amidst the legal battles, both Auradou and Jégou are expected to rejoin their teams, with clubs expressing support for their players during this challenging time.
