close
close

Irish fan ‘abducted and gang raped’ after watching Rugby World Cup match

An Irish rugby fan was allegedly raped by three men while 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 evening.

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

With the help of passing Welsh rugby fans, she reportedly managed to return to her accommodation, but was in shock and initially unable to report the incident to the police.

According to Le Parisien, a criminal investigation has been launched and the police are looking for three white men.

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

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

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

“We are shocked and extend our deepest condolences to the victim. The IRFU wants all fans to have a positive experience and support the team in France. We urge all travellers to be cautious and look out for each other.”

The Gardai said the investigation was a matter for the French police.