BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Two French rugby players, 20-year-old Hugo Auradou and 21-year-old Oscar Jegou, were arrested in Buenos Aires following accusations of a brutal attack on a local woman, according to statements by her legal representation. The incident, which allegedly occurred in a Mendoza hotel room after a rugby match, has led to charges of repeated rape and severe physical assault.
The 39-year-old accuser was hospitalized Thursday under severe emotional and physical distress, necessitating medical attention for two days, her attorney Natacha Romano disclosed. Romano described the violence as “fierce,” detailing extensive injuries sustained by her client including harm to her face, back, breasts, legs, and ribs, along with various bite and scratch marks.
According to Romano, the woman reported being raped multiple times by one player and once by the other while attempting to escape on several occasions. The players, transferred on Thursday from Interpol headquarters in Buenos Aires to Mendoza, denied the allegations, insisting that any sexual relations were consensual.
The case against Auradou and Jegou complicates not only their professional careers but also casts a shadow over the sports’ disciplinary handling of off-field behaviors. Previously, the rugby community has seen similar incidents, prompting calls for stricter regulations and more rigorous behavioral expectations for sports figures internationally.
Local authorities in Mendoza confirmed that the investigation is underway and the players will be formally questioned. The French Rugby Federation has yet to release an official statement regarding the arrest and charges against the players but is likely monitoring the situation closely.
This incident raises concerning questions about the treatment of women, athlete behavior off the field, and the legal protections in place in such cases. Advocacy groups within Argentina have rallied in support of the woman, emphasizing the need for greater accountability and support for victims of gender-based violence.
Sports analysts suggest that this case could lead to reevaluation of behavioral policies within sports organizations, potentially influencing how rugby’s governing bodies handle accusations of misconduct by players in the future.
As the legal processes unfold, the rugby world, fans, and advocates will be watching closely, awaiting the outcomes that will not only determine the future of these young players but also potentially shape the handling of similar cases in sports moving forward.