French Rugby Players Jegou and Auradou Face Appeal Hearing in Argentina Over Dismissed Rape Charges

The Argentine court is reexamining the non-lieu decision that dropped charges of aggravated rape against the two athletes after a July 2024 incident.

The appeal hearing began behind closed doors at the judicial center in Mendoza, Argentina, with a decision expected within five days.
The original non-lieu ruling in December 2024 dismissed charges against Oscar Jegou and Hugo Auradou, citing insufficient evidence of a crime, aligning with recommendations from prosecutors.
The case stems from allegations by a 39-year-old Argentine woman, who claims she was assaulted by the players after a night out following a rugby match; the defense maintains the encounter was consensual.
The plaintiff's lawyer, Natacha Romano, argues that key evidence, including a medical report on injuries, was not fully considered and plans to exhaust all legal appeals if the ruling is upheld.
Both players, who resumed their rugby careers in France, continue to face mixed public reactions, including boos during recent matches with the French national team.