Accused French players released from house arrest as club releases statement

A statement has been released by La Rochelle following the freeing of French rugby players Hugo Auradou and Oscar Jegou from house arrest on Monday.

The two players have been confined to one address since the 17th of July following accusations of aggravated rape whilst they were on tour in Mendoza with the French national side.

It is alleged that the woman in question was attacked in a hotel in the early hours of July 7, with the accuser having claimed to have met the two French players at a nightclub.

The prosecutor’s office released a statement at the time explaining the reasons behind placing the pair on house arrest, saying: “Taking into account the level of proof reached and the non-existence of procedural risk, it is feasible to grant house arrest with a personal bond for each person.”

Whilst under house arrest, the pair were equipped with electronic monitoring bracelets which have now both been removed.

The La Rochelle statement regarding their player Oscar Jegou reads: “We are delighted with the release of our player, Oscar Jegou. This is an important step towards proving his innocence. We, the entire Stade Rochelais community, reaffirm our support for Oscar and his family.

“We hope that the investigation can continue to take place in calm conditions and with respect for the presumption of innocence. We affirm our confidence, as we have done since the beginning of the procedure, in the Argentine justice system. We hope that Oscar will be able to return to France soon.”

There has been no statement made by Hugo Auradou’s club Pau at this time.