By Natalia Rueda 
The rugby world has been rocked by the recent news of two French national team players who have been accused of raping and beating a young woman in a hotel in Mendoza, Argentina. The players, Oscar Jegou, 21, and Hugo Auradou, 20, were arrested on Monday and face charges of sexual violence and aggravated rape, which carry a possible sentence of up to twenty years in prison under Argentine law. While the players claim the encounter was consensual, the victim has said she was physically assaulted during the act.
What is known
According to police sources, the players met the young woman at a bar where they consumed alcohol together and then headed to her hotel. However, the victim’s lawyer has presented a different version of events, claiming that the players allegedly beat her violently throughout the night, leaving her with visible injuries. The prosecutor in charge of the case has confirmed that the victim’s injuries match her statement but are not necessarily a product of rape.
The defense attorney for the accused players, Cúneo Libarona, maintains their innocence and denies the accusation that the players prevented the woman from leaving or beat her. He also pointed out that the woman is 20 years older than the players.
The news of this incident has generated outrage and condemnation both in Argentina and internationally, reigniting the debate about gender-based violence in the world of sport. In response, the French Rugby Federation has expressed its support for the investigation and has sent its president to Mendoza to gather more information. The Federation has also announced the suspension of the national team players until the case is resolved.
With information from France 24