Hugo Auradou and Oscar Jegou: France rugby players rape charges dismissed in Argentina

A court in Argentina has dismissed charges of aggravated rape against France rugby players Hugo Auradou and Oscar Jegou, the players’ lawyers say.

The pair, both 21, were arrested two days after making their international debuts in France’s victory over Argentina in Mendoza in July.

They were accused of raping a 39-year-old woman in a hotel room in the city but denied any wrongdoing and said the sex was consensual.

“The judge has just ordered the players to be acquitted, arguing that the act was not a crime,” lawyer Rafael Cuneo Libarona told Reuters after the hearing in Mendoza.

“As we expected, the French players have been acquitted because the sexual act was consensual, meaning there was no crime and no doubt that they are innocent,” added lawyer German Hnatow.

The French Rugby Federation (FFR) said it welcomed the decision with “relief and satisfaction” and confirmed both players are eligible to play for the national team again.

Auradou and Jegou were permitted by the court to return home in September, nearly two months after being arrested.