New twist in case against French players accused of rape in Argentina : Planet Rugby

Two French rugby players held for almost two months in Argentina on charges of raping a woman have been allowed to leave the South American country.

A court hearing in Mendoza, a city 1,000 kilometres west of Buenos Aires, approved the return to France of defender Auradou and winger Jegou, both 21. The plaintiffs’ lawyers did not oppose the prosecutor’s recommendation to allow the duo to leave Argentina.

This means that Auradou and Jegou can “from now on leave the country,” the court said in a press release.

The duo were charged with raping a woman after Les Bleus recorded a 28-13 victory over Argentina in Mendoza in July.

Serious allegations

The 39-year-old woman claims Auradou and Jegou repeatedly raped and beat her in a hotel room in the city after a match.

Auradou and Jegou have denied the rape allegations and said they had consensual sex with their accuser.

Les Bleus tour in chaos after duo arrested for alleged sexual assault

Initially held in custody in a Mendoza prison, they were released on house arrest. Last week, they were allowed to return to Buenos Aires, pending a motion to dismiss the charges.

However, a trial date has not yet been set.

“They can go,” said Martin Ahumada, a spokesman for the provincial justice system. AFP.

The decision to allow the players to travel to France requires them to “report if called to the Argentine consulate in France”, to report practically “as often as necessary” and even return “to report to Mendoza if requested to do so”.

Statement by the French Rugby Federation

The French Rugby Federation (FFR) issued a statement on the matter, which reads: “The French Rugby Federation welcomes with satisfaction the decision of the Argentine prosecutor’s office to allow the return to France, to their families and clubs, of the two Argentine internationals, Hugo Auradou and Oscar Jegou.

“As already indicated on the first day, the French Rugby Federation wanted to listen to the complainant, but also to constantly remind both players of the principle of the presumption of innocence, who have always maintained their innocence while trusting the Argentine justice system.

“Today’s decision is another step towards the judicial truth of the facts. The FFR, in close cooperation with the Pau and La Rochelle clubs, will continue to support the players and will not comment further on the ongoing procedure.”

In Argentina, a sex crime is punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

READ MORE: French duo accused of sexual assault in Argentina