Top Stories Tamfitronics
Here are the latest rugby headlines on Wednesday, September 4.
Accused players leave country
Argentinian prosecutors have stated they will allow two French rugby stars, accused of a violent sexual assault on a woman, to return home after two months while the investigation continues. Hugo Auradou and Oscar Jegou, both 21, can leave Argentina immediately.
The pair were arrested in early July during France’s summer tour against the Pumas following a complaint by a woman who accused them of repeatedly sexually assaulting her. They deny the allegations.
The case, based on the harrowing account given by the 39 year old Argentinian woman, has sent shockwaves through the French rugby community and sparked widespread media coverage in Argentina.
SIGN UP: Get the new exclusive Inside Welsh rugby newsletter for full insight into what’s really going on behind the scenes.
The public prosecution in Mendoza, located approximately 1,000 kilometres west of Buenos Aires, confirmed the decision to permit the accused to depart the country, stipulating several conditions for their release as the case against them continues. Auradou and Jegou have agreed to present themselves to Argentinian consular officials in France, establish a legal address, and return to Mendoza if requested by the court, according to the prosecution.
Following their arrest in Buenos Aires, while their teammates continued their regional tour in Uruguay, Auradou and Jegou were placed under house arrest in Mendoza in mid-July. They remained there for a month until the court ordered their release.
In Argentina, the crime of aggravated sexual assault carries a prison sentence of up to 20 years.
URC matches postponed
Two opening round matches of the United Rugby Championship have been postponed due to a scheduling clash.
The games between the Stormers and Bulls and the Sharks v Lions will now be played at some point in 2025 following a request from the South African Rugby Union.
That’s because the games clash with the Currie Cup final on September 21, while the Springboks also play Argentina in the Rugby Championship on the same day.
A URC statement read: Due to a request from the South African Rugby Union (SA Rugby), the round one BKT United Rugby Championship fixtures involving the South African teams will now be moved from the weekend of September 20 to avoid a clash with the Carling Currie Cup final.
Originally, the DHL Stormers were due to take on the Vodacom Bulls in Cape Town and the Hollywoodbets Sharks were to host the Emirates Lions in Durban on Saturday, September 21. These fixtures will be rescheduled to early 2025.
The BKT United Rugby Championship is working with SA Rugby, the home teams and host broadcasters, SuperSport, to reschedule these fixtures in order to update ticket holders and supporters as soon as possible.
The Wales Rugby breaking news and top stories WhatsApp community has launched – and thousands of fans have already joined. You can expect the day’s top stories and major updates sent directly to your WhatsApp from our team – allowing you to stay up to date with all the latest Welsh rugby news for free.
All you have to do to join is click on this link , select ‘Join Community’ and you’re in. We will not spam your feed with constant messages, but you will receive daily updates . We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners.
If for some reason you decide you no longer want to be in our community, you can leave by clicking on the name at the top of your screen and clicking ‘Exit Group’. We occasionally treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can read our Privacy Notice here.
JOIN OUR WHATSAPP COMMUNITY HERE
Williams deal will be ‘cut-price’
The Dragons will only sign Liam Williams if they can secure a cut-price deal.
The Wales star is keen to return home early from Japan as his wife, Sophie, is pregnant. He currently has another year left on his deal at Kubota Spears, but could be back on Welsh soil this season.
The Welsh region, or any other that were interested, could not come close to matching his current wages in Japan, but it’s hoped some sort of deal can still be done. If Williams remains part of Warren Gatland’s squad and plays in the autumn internationals and Six Nations – something he would not be able to do if he were in Japan – than his international appearance money could bolster his overall wage packet and make a return possible.
Williams previously played for the Scarlets and Cardiff, with injuries and international duty limiting his regio9nal game time before he made the move abroad last year.
The South Wales Argus also report the Dragons are on the lookout for a tighthead prop after the retirement of Lloyd Fairborther.
English giants sign sevens superstar
By PA Sport Staff
Harlequins have signed world sevens player of the year Rodrigo Isgro.
Quins said the 25-year-old wing, who has won three caps for Argentina at 15s, has joined them with immediate effect.
He played for Argentina at the 2023 World Cup in France and the Paris Olympics this summer, while he was part of Argentina’s Olympic bronze medal-winning team in Tokyo three years ago.
Quins head coach Danny Wilson said: “Rodrigo is a dynamic athlete, quick and skilful, who adds further international experience to our squad and provides great depth on the wing.
“He is a mature player who we expect to hit the ground running and contribute to our objectives this season.”
