Irish fan ‘kidnapped and repeatedly raped’ after watching Rugby World Cup match

An Irish rugby fan was reportedly raped multiple times by three men while she was in France to watch her team play in the Rugby World Cup.

According to French media reports, police are searching for men accused of raping a 37-year-old woman in downtown Bordeaux on Sunday night.

The alleged victim was said to be on her way back to her accommodation near Rue de la Rousselle when she was attacked.

She then allegedly managed to return to her accommodation with the help of passing Welsh rugby fans, but was in a state of shock and was initially unable to report the incident to the police.

According to Le Parisien, a criminal investigation has been launched and police are searching for three Caucasian men.

“The investigation is ongoing and includes, in particular, the genetic examinations of the victim and clothing, the collection of witness statements and the study of video surveillance of the neighborhood,” said a statement from the local prosecutor’s office.

The woman was said to have been treated at Bordeaux University Hospital and questioned by Irish police officers who were assisting local forces as part of the World Cup security operation.

The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) said in a statement that it was “aware of the disturbing news from Bordeaux regarding an incident involving an Irish fan at the weekend.”

“We are shocked and express our deepest condolences to the victim. The IRFU wants all fans to have a positive experience supporting the team in France and we urge all travelers to be careful and look out for each other.”

Gardai said the investigation was a matter for French police.