Two French rugby players, Oscar Jegou and Hugo Auradou, have been transferred under police guard from Buenos Aires to Mendoza, Argentina, where they are set to appear in court on suspicion of aggravated sexual assault. The men are facing allegations of 'sexual abuse with carnal excess,' a case that has sent shockwaves through the French rugby community.
The incident reportedly occurred in a Mendoza hotel room following a test match between France and Argentina's Pumas. After celebrating their victory at a nightclub, the players encountered a woman whom they brought back to their hotel room at the Diplomatic Hotel.
The victim, whose identity has not been disclosed, alleges that both Jegou and Auradou took turns raping her repeatedly that night. According to the victim's lawyer, the players prevented the woman from leaving the room after the assault, prompting her to escape and file a police report the following day.
While the French Rugby Federation acknowledged that the players engaged in sexual activity with the woman, they vehemently denied any involvement in violence. The players were taken into custody in Buenos Aires and are expected to remain in pre-trial detention for 10 days as the legal proceedings unfold.
The case has drawn condemnation from French Sports Minister Amélie Oudéa-Castéra, who described the incident as 'an unspeakable atrocity.' The players' lawyer declined to comment on the matter.
As the investigation continues, the French rugby team is scheduled to play another match against Argentina in the coming days. The situation has cast a shadow over the team's tour in South America and raised concerns about the conduct of professional athletes on and off the field.
For more updates on this developing story and other news from Latin America and the Caribbean, visit AP's coverage.
