French Rugby Federation reacts to incident in Argentina with stricter curfew for players

By Priscilla Rotich

Following the recent arrests of Oscar Jegou and Hugo Auradou in Argentina, France Rugby wants to make changes to the regulations regarding player outings.

The allegations of sexual assault have prompted French Rugby Federation chief Florian Grill to push for stricter rules and guidelines for touring players. The incident involving the two young players has highlighted the importance of accountability and respect for the existing framework.

The arrests of Jegou and Auradou have raised concerns about the players’ behaviour off the pitch. Although the players deny the allegations and claim the encounter was consensual, Grill stressed the need to respect the rules set out to prevent such incidents in the future. He said the responsibility lies with the players to respect the guidelines in place and ensure they behave in a way that upholds the values ​​of the sport. “We are going to change the rules. There is a set of rules, a precise set of rules that have been in place for years and are based on autonomy and responsibility,” Grill said, adding that the players “have never followed those rules”.

Going forward, France Rugby is committed to making significant changes to the rules governing player outings, with a focus on raising awareness among players and imposing stricter sanctions on those who do not comply. The aim is to create a safer environment for all players and prevent similar incidents from happening again. By working with players, France Rugby hopes to establish a new standard of behaviour that emphasises respect, responsibility and accountability.

In addition to implementing stricter regulations, France Rugby also plans to offer players education and training programs on appropriate behavior and conduct on tour. This includes discussions on consent, respect for others and the consequences of inappropriate behavior. By equipping players with the necessary knowledge and skills, France Rugby aims to foster a culture of respect and integrity.

France Rugby also works closely with local authorities and organisations to ensure that all cases of misconduct are promptly addressed and properly investigated. The organisation is committed to cooperating fully with law enforcement and taking appropriate disciplinary action against players who breach the rules. This zero-tolerance approach sends a clear message that misconduct in sport will not be tolerated.