French rugby players cleared of aggravated rape charges in Argentina
- An Argentine court has dismissed rape charges against French rugby players Hugo Auradou and Oscar Jegou, who faced allegations since July.
- The French Rugby Federation welcomed the court's decision, asserting the players' presumption of innocence throughout the investigation.
- The ruling allows Auradou and Jegou to resume their professional careers and potentially return to the national team in the future.
In Argentina, an important legal decision was made when the Argentine court dropped the charges of aggravated rape against French rugby players Hugo Auradou and Oscar Jegou. The players had been under investigation since July following their involvement in an alleged incident that took place after they made their international debuts during France’s summer tour of Argentina. They consistently denied any wrongdoing, asserting that the sexual encounter was consensual. After nearly a month of house arrest in Mendoza, they were permitted to return to Europe, resuming their club careers afterward. Hugo Auradou returned to competition on October 5, while Oscar Jegou resumed play on November 2. The French Rugby Federation (FFR) expressed relief and satisfaction over the court's decision, emphasizing that they had advocated for the players' presumption of innocence throughout the legal proceedings. They had also prioritized the well-being of both the players and their families during the investigation. As a result of the court's findings, the FFR confirmed that Auradou and Jegou would be eligible for selection in future international competitions, as they had not participated in the Autumn Nations Series due to the legal issues. The FFR also noted that the incident should serve as a reminder to cultivate a culture of responsibility and safety in rugby, aiming to prevent such allegations in the future by reinforcing educational programs for players. The Argentine justice system’s ruling recognized the absence of guilt on the part of Auradou and Jegou, effectively rehabilitating their public image and providing clarity in a case that had garnered significant media attention. The conclusion of this investigation allows the players to move forward with their careers without the shadow of these allegations hanging over them. The FFR's proactive stance in handling the situation demonstrates their commitment to supporting the players and ensuring fairness within the sport. Finally, the incident and its aftermath will likely influence discussions about athlete behavior and accountability in professional sport contexts moving forward.