French Rugby Player Hugo Auradou Whistled But ‘Serene’ on Return Amid Rape Accusations
Paris (AFP) – Hugo Auradou, a 21-year-old France rugby lock, faced a hostile reception on Saturday as he returned to the field for the first time since being accused of rape in Argentina. Despite the tense atmosphere, Pau head coach Sébastien Piqueronies described Auradou as “serene” during the match, maintaining focus and playing efficiently despite being whistled by parts of the crowd.
The Charges and Return
Auradou, along with fellow French rugby player Oscar Jegou, a flanker for La Rochelle, was arrested in July after both earned their first French caps against Argentina in Mendoza. The two players were accused of rape, a charge they both vehemently deny. The accusations followed a night out after the match, but the details of the case remain unclear.
After spending months under investigation, both players were allowed to return to France in September, where they resumed their professional rugby careers. On Friday, Argentine prosecutors recommended that the charges against the two players be dropped, a decision that has yet to be finalized.
Despite the ongoing legal uncertainty, Auradou made his return to competitive rugby, starting in Pau’s 11-10 loss to Perpignan in a French Top 14 match. Piqueronies emphasized that Auradou was mentally strong throughout the ordeal: “He was serene and determined,” Piqueronies told reporters after the match. “He played very well, efficient like he was last season.”
A Divided Crowd Reaction
As expected, Auradou’s return to the field was met with a mixed reaction from the crowd. When he was substituted with six minutes to go, the traditionally vocal Perpignan supporters whistled at him, reflecting the discomfort surrounding his presence on the pitch.
However, not all fans were critical. Some, like Perpignan season ticket holder Robert, expressed a more pragmatic view: “As long as he’s presumed innocent, I don’t see why he can’t play again,” he said. “Nothing stops him from doing his job and his job is to play rugby.”
Auradou’s contributions in the game were solid, with his first significant play coming in the 10th minute when he successfully caught a lineout near the Perpignan try line. Pau, however, was penalized, and the hosts cleared the ball. His first touch in open play came seven minutes later, when he was tackled by Perpignan’s English prop Kieran Brookes.
Despite the narrow loss, Auradou’s performance on the field showed that, for now, he remains focused on his rugby despite the weight of the accusations still hanging over him.
Oscar Jegou’s Absence and Other Legal Issues
While Auradou returned to action, Oscar Jegou, the other player involved in the rape accusations, has yet to make his return to the field. Jegou’s team, La Rochelle, claimed a comfortable 43-22 win over Lyon, but the flanker remained on the sidelines. Jegou has been training with the squad, and it remains to be seen when or if he will return to play.
The controversy surrounding Auradou and Jegou is not the only legal scandal in French rugby. Earlier, Fijian winger Vinaya Habosi, playing for Racing 92, was arrested after allegations of domestic violence. Witnesses claimed that the 24-year-old pushed and struck his wife, which his wife later confirmed to the police. Despite these serious allegations, Habosi has returned to action for Racing 92, scoring in their 27-24 win over newly promoted Vannes. As part of his disciplinary measures, Habosi was ordered by Racing to attend a domestic violence course.
The Future of French Rugby Amid Controversy
These legal issues cast a shadow over what is otherwise an exciting and competitive Top 14 season. While Auradou and Jegou’s legal battles unfold, other teams continue their quest for success. Racing 92’s win helped relieve some pressure on coach Stuart Lancaster, while Vannes, in their first top-flight season, remain at the bottom of the table after suffering their fourth defeat in five matches.
Meanwhile, Bordeaux-Begles, who lost in last season’s final, continue to lead the standings after edging Bayonne 30-27. Castres, the former side of superstar scrum-half Antoine Dupont, came from behind to beat Dupont’s current team, Toulouse, 28-23. Dupont, absent from the game, has been enjoying his post-Olympic gold medal holiday in the United States, where he recently met Argentine football legend Lionel Messi.
Conclusion
As French rugby players like Auradou and Habosi return to the field despite serious allegations against them, the sport is grappling with the intersection of legal issues and professional performance. While the presumption of innocence allows these athletes to continue their careers for now, the long-term impact on their reputations and the sport’s image remains uncertain. With the Top 14 season in full swing, French rugby fans are left to navigate the tension between supporting their teams and questioning the conduct of some of the players representing them.
