The Mendoza Justice has accused two players from the French rugby team, Oscar Jegou and Hugo Auradou, of sexual abuse with aggravated carnal access. The players have been arrested following allegations made by a woman in Mendoza, Argentina.
The French team had recently played a test match against Los Pumas in Mendoza. Both Jegou and Auradou chose not to testify, according to the Prosecutor's Office. Their lawyer, Rafael Cúneo Libarona, has stated that the players are worried but maintain a clear conscience, insisting they will prove their innocence.
Florian Grill, president of the French Rugby Federation, expressed the gravity of the situation if the allegations are true. French Sports Minister Amélie Oudéa-Castéra also commented on the case, calling the alleged acts an 'unspeakable atrocity' if proven. Both Stade Rochelais and Section Paloise, the clubs for Jegou and Auradou respectively, have refrained from commenting until further information is available.
The players' defense lawyer, Rafael Cúneo Libarona, believes in the players' version of events, claiming the relationship was consensual and without violence. The woman, aged 39, alleges that she was raped six times, beaten, dragged, and suffocated by the two rugby players in a hotel room in Mendoza.
The complainant reported that the players did not use protection during the alleged assault. Forensic examinations were conducted to verify her claims. Libarona emphasized the players' clean criminal records and good behavior in sports.
The incident reportedly began when the players met the woman at a nightclub and invited her to their hotel. According to the complaint, the attack started when she exited the bathroom in the hotel room. Jegou allegedly opened the door for Auradou, who then also assaulted her.
The players were detained in Buenos Aires by the Argentine Federal Police with Interpol's assistance. They were transported to Mendoza, where they are expected to face charges.
- The French Rugby Federation's president, Florian Grill, and vice president, Jean-Marc Lhermet, traveled to Mendoza to support the players. They have not made public comments but are closely monitoring the situation.
- The players face a potential prison sentence ranging from 8 to 20 years if convicted. The case has garnered significant media attention both in Argentina and internationally.
- The incident has cast a shadow over the French rugby team, which had been celebrating their recent match against Los Pumas. The legal proceedings are expected to continue, with both sides presenting their evidence.
