Two French rugby players, Hugo Auradou and Oscar Jegou, have been cleared of aggravated rape charges by an Argentine court. The decision comes five months after the pair, both 21, were arrested in Mendoza, Argentina, just two days after making their international debuts for France in a victory over the Pumas.

The athletes were accused of raping a 39-year-old woman in their hotel room, but they consistently denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that the sexual encounter was consensual. After a thorough investigation, the judge in Mendoza dismissed the case against Auradou and Jegou, citing insufficient evidence to support the allegations.

Defence lawyer German Hnatow stated, “As we expected, the French players have been acquitted because the sexual act was consensual, meaning there was no crime and no doubt that they are innocent.” The court’s decision reinforced the defence’s faith in the justice system, with Hnatow adding, “There are many false accusations in terms of sexual crimes, in terms of gender violence, which cause harm.”

The French Rugby Federation (FFR) welcomed the court’s ruling with “relief and satisfaction” and confirmed that both players are now eligible for selection to the national team, provided their sporting performances warrant it. FFR President Florian Grill had previously stated that Auradou and Jegou would not play for France until the case was resolved.

Since returning to France in September, Auradou has played eight matches for his club, Pau, while Jegou has featured in four games for La Rochelle, even scoring a try in the Champions Cup victory over Bath. The FFR emphasized that these events serve as a reminder of the need to create new conditions to prevent and avoid risky behaviour in high-level rugby and to train responsible and exemplary players.

The plaintiff’s lawyer, Natacha Romano, has indicated that her client will appeal the court’s decision, calling it “harmful, unfounded, and incomplete.” Romano explained any inconsistencies in the woman’s account as a result of the “shock and extreme stress” she experienced, noting that physical examinations revealed injuries that the plaintiff claimed were related to the alleged assault.

While the dismissal of the charges against Auradou and Jegou marks the end of a challenging period for French rugby, the FFR remains committed to implementing a reinforced rugby performance plan that aims to create a new framework for player conduct, drawing inspiration from the thousands of volunteers and amateur clubs who work tirelessly to foster social ties and play an educational and civic role within the sport.

France and Toulon fullback Melvyn Jaminet has been suspended for 26 weeks by the French Rugby Federation (FFR) following a disciplinary hearing over a racist video he posted on social media during France’s tour of Argentina in July.

The FFR’s disciplinary committee initially handed down a 34-week suspension but allowed for eight weeks to be substituted by community service activities. In an official statement, the FFR explained:

“At the conclusion of the FFR Disciplinary Council held today, it was determined that Melvyn Jaminet had ‘undermined the best interests of rugby’. Consequently, the following decision was made: a suspension for a period of 34 weeks, applying from the notification of the complete decision.

Eight of the thirty-four weeks of suspension may nevertheless be substituted by activities of general interest for the benefit of the FFR. These consist of carrying out:

• 6 prevention actions relating to the dangers linked to alcohol and social networks for a public identified by the FFR such as the French youth teams or trainees from training centres;
• 6 actions promoting the values of sport relating to the fight against discrimination among rugby schools.

Furthermore, the player will have to pay a financial penalty of 30,000 euros.”

The incident occurred on July 7th when Jaminet shared a video on his Instagram account in which he was heard making racist comments. The FFR swiftly condemned the comments and immediately removed Jaminet from the France squad, arranging for his return to France.

During the disciplinary hearing, which took place via video conference, Jaminet and his lawyer, Carlo Alberto Brusa, argued that the video was intended for a private circle of friends. However, the disciplinary committee found that Jaminet had “undermined the best interests of rugby” and opted for a severe punishment.

This suspension mirrors the one handed to Ludovic Radosavljevic two years ago for racist comments made during a match. Jaminet’s ban, if it starts immediately, would see him unavailable until January, missing France’s autumn internationals but potentially being eligible for the 2025 Six Nations.

Toulon, Jaminet’s club, has not yet announced any additional sanctions. The club previously stated its intention to “accompany” the player in his “redemption,” suggesting they may not terminate his contract, which runs until 2028.

The FFR added in their statement: “This decision may be appealed by the player to the Federal Appeal Commission within 7 days from the date on which it was notified.”

This incident was part of a series of controversies that marred France’s summer tour. In addition to Jaminet’s racist video, two French players, Hugo Auradou and Oscar Jegou, were arrested in Argentina on allegations of sexual assault. These off-field incidents overshadowed France’s on-field performances, which included a series split with Argentina and a victory over Uruguay.

The French Rugby Federation (FFR) has announced the team to face Argentina in the second and final test match of their summer tour, set to take place on Saturday, July 13, at 21:00 (French time) at Estadio Velez Sarsfield in Buenos Aires. The match comes amid significant off-field controversies that have marred the tour.

🇦🇷🇫🇷 Voici la composition d'équipe du #XVdeFrance pour le match face à l'Argentine, ce samedi à Buenos Aires #ARGFRA #NeFaisonsXV pic.twitter.com/9DEq4UEF2w

— France Rugby (@FranceRugby) July 11, 2024

Head coach Fabien Galthié has largely maintained the core of the team that secured a 28-13 victory in Mendoza on July 6. However, two notable changes have been made to the starting XV, necessitated by recent events.

Judicaël Cancoriet and Mickaël Guillard will start in place of Oscar Jegou and Hugo Auradou, respectively. The latter two players are currently detained in Argentina following allegations of sexual assault, an incident that has cast a shadow over the tour.

Baptiste Serin retains his role as captain and scrum-half, partnering with Antoine Hastoy at fly-half. The backline remains unchanged, with Léo Barré at fullback, Théo Attissogbe and Lester Etien on the wings, and the centre pairing of Emilien Gailleton and Antoine Frisch.

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In the pack, Cancoriet joins Lenni Nouchi and Jordan Joseph in the back row, while Guillard pairs with Baptiste Pesenti in the second row. The front row of Jean-Baptiste Gros, Gaëtan Barlot, and Georges-Henri Colombe remains intact.

The bench sees a mix of experience and potential debutants. Demba Bamba and Posolo Tuilagi provide solid options in the forwards, while uncapped players Romain Briatte, Killian Tixeront, Baptiste Jauneau, and Léo Berdeu could make their international debuts. These changes come in the wake of Melvyn Jaminet’s suspension and removal from the squad due to racist comments made on social media following the first test.

This team announcement comes at a challenging time for French rugby, with recent events tarnishing the sport’s image. However, on the field, France will be looking to finish their tour on a high note, having already secured victories against Argentina and Uruguay.

France XV to face Argentina:

15. Barré, 14. Attissogbe, 13. Gailleton, 12. Frisch, 11. Etien ; 10. Hastoy, 9. Serin ; 7. Cancoriet, 8. Joseph, 6. Nouchi ; 5. Pesenti, 4. Guillard ; 3. Colombe, 2. Barlot, 1. Gros.

Replacements:

16. Baubigny, 17. S. Taofifenua, 18. Bamba, 19. Tuilagi, 20. Briatte, 21. Tixeront, 22. Jauneau, 23. Berdeu.’