Rugby internationals return to France as rape case continues

Two French rugby players person returned location astir 2 months aft being arrested and charged pinch rape while connected circuit pinch nan nationalist squad successful Argentina.

Hugo Auradou and Oscar Jegou, some 21, are alleged to person raped and beaten a 39-year-old female and held her against her will aft gathering her successful a nightclub successful Mendoza successful July.

The charges against them - which they contradict - remain, but nan tribunal has allowed them to return to France.

Auradou and Jegou whitethorn be hearings astatine nan Argentine consulate successful France and tin beryllium ordered to return to nan tribunal successful Mendoza.

The maximum condemnation for nan charges they look is 20 years, pinch a mandatory minimum word of 8 years.

The French Rugby Federation welcomed nan determination to let them to return "with satisfaction".

"The French Rugby Federation wanted to perceive to nan complainant, but besides to perpetually called to mind nan presumption of innocence of nan 2 players," it said successful a statement.

"Today's determination is simply a further measurement towards nan judicial truth."

As Auradou and Jegou walked done Buenos Aires International Airport to drawback their formation home, their lawyer said their acquisition had been "a scary movie that ne'er should person existed".

Auradou and Jegou, who had made their debuts for France successful a 28-13 triumph complete Argentina nan erstwhile day, declare they had consensual activity pinch nan female aft returning to a edifice room.

Her lawyer denies nan activity was consensual and says her customer suffered injuries to her face, back, breasts, legs and ribs and was prevented from leaving nan room for respective hours.

Her representatives opportunity she has since tried to return her ain life and would proceed to suffer "irreparable harm" while nan men she accuses resume their lives successful France.

La Rochelle, Jegou's nine side, said they were "convinced" of nan backmost row's innocence "since nan first days". He will beryllium gradually reintegrated into their squad, and is disposable for selection.

Pau said they felt "joy and relief" astir 2nd statement Auradou's return.

The French Top 14 play originates connected Saturday.