Mendoza Supreme Court to Rehear French Rugby Players' Case Despite Acquittal

A legal battle is reigniting in Argentina over a sexual abuse allegation against two French rugby players, potentially forcing their return to the country.

Hugo Auradou and Oscar Jegou, who were acquitted of sexual abuse charges in August 2024 and returned to France, now face a new judicial review. The Supreme Court of Justice of Mendoza is set to hear an appeal from the accuser's legal team, which could lead to the reopening of the investigation or its final closure.

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The Court responds to the appeal of the accuser, generating a hearing to listen to the parties. There are no established deadlines for the definition. Therefore, from this instance, it will be determined if the production of new evidence is allowed, which the accuser will surely request. The case could be reopened or definitively closed.

Initially, a judge dismissed the case, agreeing with prosecutors and the defense that the abuse could not be proven. However, the accuser's lawyer formally appealed the decision. The Supreme Court's upcoming hearing will determine if new evidence can be presented and ultimately decide the case's fate.

The incident, which occurred in August 2024 after a match, drew international attention and divided public opinion. The players, members of the French national team, were detained and later placed under house arrest in Mendoza before being released and returning to France. The court's final decision is pending.

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The case had international repercussions and provoked conflicting positions on the scope of the accusation, beyond the first-instance judicial decision.