France international flanker Oscar Jegou is set to step back onto the pitch, marking his return to rugby for La Rochelle after allegations of rape in Argentina. Jegou, still under legal scrutiny, was named on Friday to start for La Rochelle as they face off against Stade Francais in the Top 14 competition. This match will be Jegou’s first appearance since July, following accusations surrounding an alleged incident in Mendoza on July 6. His return comes after his teammate and co-accused, Hugo Auradou, made his own re-entry to the game with Pau a month earlier.
La Rochelle’s assistant coach, Remi Tales, expressed confidence in Jegou’s return, remarking, “We’re very happy to see him back on the pitch and playing rugby.” This backing from the coaching team reflects La Rochelle’s decision to reintegrate Jegou, despite the ongoing investigation and the legal battles surrounding the case. Both Jegou and Auradou, aged 21, are contending with charges of aggravated rape under the Argentinian legal system. The charges stem from alleged events that occurred on the night after their international debut against Argentina. However, the legal process has seen several postponements. A hearing to consider the players’ request for dismissal, initially scheduled but then repeatedly delayed, has now been put off indefinitely, according to Argentine judicial sources.
The players have consistently denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that their encounter with the complainant, a 39-year-old Argentine woman they met at a nightclub, was consensual and non-violent. On the opposing side, the complainant’s lawyer has argued otherwise, labeling the incident as a “terrible act of violence.” Initially, Jegou and Auradou were detained in Argentina, with both placed under house arrest in Mendoza. However, the players were released in mid-August and permitted to return to France in early September, an arrangement that paved the way for their participation in French rugby.
This summer’s tour of South America by France’s rugby squad was already marred by controversy. Another teammate, full-back Melvyn Jaminet, was sent back to France early after making offensive comments on social media, further clouding the team’s image during their international campaign. Following these events, French rugby management decided to introduce stricter behavioral guidelines for its players, seeking to limit incidents that might tarnish the squad’s reputation. New policies now prohibit alcohol-based celebrations, both in the changing rooms and at private gatherings. This move aims to mitigate off-field distractions and instill a more disciplined approach among the players. The French Rugby Federation (FFR) has additionally indicated plans to update internal policies to include alcohol and drug testing, reinforcing a commitment to player accountability.
Jegou’s return is thus set against a backdrop of evolving team culture and heightened expectations. With these new restrictions, the French rugby landscape is under a microscope as the FFR looks to balance competitive spirit on the field with responsible behavior off it. As Jegou runs out for La Rochelle, he steps back into a game that has seen notable reforms, each intended to strengthen the ethos of the sport in France.
