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FFR statement: The dismissed Hugo Auradou, Oscar Jegou rape case
By Liam Heagney
Hugo Auradou and Oscar Jegou are available for international selection with France for the 2025 Guinness Six Nations after the alleged rape case against them in Argentina was dismissed on Tuesday.
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The 21-year-old French forwards were arrested in the aftermath of their July 6 Test debuts against the Pumas in Mendoza. Initially detained in custody, they were placed under house arrest before their mid-August release was followed by their return to France in early September.
Lock Auradou made his first appearance of the 2024/25 Top 14 season when lining out for Pau on October 5, with back-rower Jegou making his return for La Rochelle on November 2.
Neither were available for national team selection for the Autumn Nations Series due to the French Rugby Federation, but that sanction has now been lifted and they can compete for a place in Fabien Galthie’s squad for a campaign that begins on January 31 at home to Wales in Paris.
A statement on Tuesday read: “The Argentine justice system, in accordance with the unanimous demands of the prosecutors, today [Tuesday] announced a dismissal of the case in favour of the players, Hugo Auradou and Oscar Jegou, thus recognising their absence of guilt.
“The French Rugby Federation welcomes this decision with relief and satisfaction. If, as it expressed from the first day, the FFR wanted the complainant to be listened to, it has constantly defended the presumption of innocence of the two players while trusting the Argentine justice system.
“This is why, in close collaboration with the families and with the clubs of Pau and La Rochelle, the French Rugby Federation has deployed from the first days all the means at its disposal so that Hugo Auradou and Oscar Jegou can be defended fairly and live in dignified and safe conditions, particularly in Buenos Aires and Mendoza.
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“With its decision, the Argentine justice system rehabilitates the two players. Also, if their sporting performances allow it, they will potentially be selectable to play again in the French team.
“While the French Rugby Federation welcomes this decision, these events nevertheless remind us of the need to create new conditions to prevent and avoid risky behaviour in high-level rugby, to train responsible and exemplary players, by drawing inspiration from the 60,000 volunteers and 2,000 amateur rugby clubs who work every day to create social ties and play an educational and civic role as well as a sporting one.
“The reinforced rugby performance plan, coordinated by the FFR and whose actions are currently being implemented, aims to meet these requirements.”
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The French rugby system should have "bodyguards/protectors" at the hotels where their players are staying to make sure no "suspicious" guests go into the rooms with the players. Especially, when the players are very young (and walking in with a clearly older woman). Judgement in the young can be quite elusive.
I'm glad this got resolved well for them, but whoever was responsible for the players should be reprimanded.