International Arrest Warrant Issued for Rocky Elsom, Former President of Narbonne Rugby Club
Rocky Elsom, the former Australian international rugby player and president of Racing Club Narbonnais, is facing serious legal troubles as an international arrest warrant has been issued against him. This development follows a court ruling on October 11, 2024, where Elsom was sentenced in absentia to five years in prison for misuse of corporate assets, forgery, and use of forgery. The Narbonne criminal court found Elsom guilty of misappropriating funds during his tenure as president from 2015 to 2016.
Elsom, who captained the Australian national team, the Wallabies, and earned 75 international caps, allegedly embezzled approximately €700,000 while managing the club. His financial misconduct included unauthorized payments to a former coach amounting to €79,000 and hiring a general manager who never provided services to the club for a monthly salary of €7,200. The court has also ordered him to pay €705,000 to the club's liquidator.
The Narbonne rugby club, a historic team with championships dating back to 1936 and 1979, has faced significant financial difficulties, leading to its relegation to Fédérale 1 in 2018. Under Elsom's leadership, the club's situation worsened, culminating in its current status in the Nationale division, narrowly missing promotion to Pro D2 last season.
Since the court's decision, Elsom has been untraceable, prompting authorities to issue an international arrest warrant. Despite his legal troubles, he recently made headlines by claiming in an interview with The Times that he is currently coaching a university rugby team in Ireland. This revelation raises questions about his whereabouts and the potential for his return to face the charges against him.
