Two members of the French national rugby team have found themselves embroiled in controversy during their South American tour. Hugo Auradou and Oscar Jegou, who participated in France’s recent Test victory over Argentina, were apprehended in Buenos Aires. They are currently facing accusations of sexual assault and are set to be relocated to Mendoza, where the alleged incident took place.
Martin Ahumada, a spokesperson for the Mendoza prosecutor’s office, has verified that a team will be dispatched from the province to Buenos Aires to retrieve the players and conduct necessary examinations. Depending on the findings, the men may be subject to charges based on the victim’s testimony.
Local media reports have indicated that the purported assault occurred at the Diplomatic Hotel in Mendoza, where the French team was lodged during the Test match. Consequently, the local prosecutors promptly sought the immediate arrest of the two players in light of the allegations.
While the French team is poised to proceed with their tour, the detentions have cast a pall over their upcoming matches in Montevideo and Buenos Aires. Florian Grill, the president of the French Rugby Federation (FFR), has expressed apprehension over the gravity of the allegations and emphasized the significance of a comprehensive investigation.
In a separate development, the team also confronted a racism controversy involving fullback Melvyn Jaminet, who was omitted from the squad in Argentina following the emergence of a video depicting him making racist remarks on social media. Jaminet’s comments elicited swift condemnation from the FFR and French Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera.
In response to the criticism, Jaminet released a public apology, conveying profound regret for his remarks and affirming his commitment to addressing the issue. He acknowledged the severity of the situation and expressed readiness to collaborate with the FFR to rectify the matter.
The incidents involving the two players have undoubtedly tarnished the reputation of the French national rugby team, prompting widespread censure. As the investigations unfold and the details come to light, it remains to be seen what consequences await the individuals involved in these troubling episodes.