Statement: French rugby players charged with raping woman in Argentina

 from July 1 2024.”

Hugo Auradou, 20, and Oscar Jegou, 21, are accused of raping a 39-year-old woman after France's victory over Argentina on Saturday. The woman claims that the players raped and beat her multiple times in a hotel room in the city of Mendoza.

On Friday a lawyer for the players said his clients were confident in their version of events.

"They are well and sure of their version, they are calm because they know they are innocent, but of course they are worried about this whole situation that they have had to live through," German Hnatow told reporters.

On Wednesday another lawyer said the "sexual relations" had been consensual. 

"There are witnesses who saw her leave [the hotel]. There are cameras that saw her leave. Apparently no injuries are seen in the footage," Mariano Cuneo Libarona told journalists. 

French Rugby Federation (FFR) president Florian Gill, who is in Argentina, also told AFP that the players had "quite a different version of events". 

"We are not judges. We are not investigators. But we think that the Argentine justice system should look at the case very quickly," he said.

Her lawyer states that she left a nightclub with one of the men and went to his hotel room, where she claims she was raped "at least six times" by one man and once by another.

Ms Romano told AFP that her client endured "fierce" violence, resulting in injuries to her face, back, breasts, legs, and ribs, along with numerous bite and scratch marks.

Ms Romano added that the woman was held against her will for several hours and made multiple attempts to escape.

As reported by Wales Online, let's delve deeper into the earnings of today's highest-paid rugby players.

Siya Kolisi, the inspirational Springbok captain, has enjoyed considerable success both on and off the field. His reported salary of £800,000 at Racing 92 reflects his value to the team and his standing as one of the sport's most influential figures.

Maro Itoje, the towering English lock, has been the subject of considerable speculation regarding his future earnings. While his reported salary of £800,000 with Saracens is impressive, potential hybrid deals with the RFU could see his income increase even further, highlighting his importance to both club and country.

Faf De Klerk, the dynamic South African scrum-half, is among the highest-paid players in the game.

His reported salary of £900,000 with the Yokohama Canon Eagles in Japan reflects his status as one of rugby's premier talents.

Cheslin Kolbe, the electrifying Springbok star, has attracted attention not only for his on-field performances but also for his lucrative contracts. Despite turning down massive offers from other clubs, Kolbe's reported salary of around £900,000 with Suntory Sungoliath in Japan solidifies his status as one of the game's highest earners.

Finn Russell, the talismanic Scottish fly-half, rounds out the list as one of rugby's top earners.

His reported salary of £1 million with Bath underscores his value to the club and highlights the financial rewards available to elite players in the sport.

Owen Farrell is set to bid farewell to English rugby at the conclusion of this season, as the Saracens fly-half secures a lucrative two-season contract with Racing 92.

A statement from Racing read: “Racing 92 can confirm the signing of Owen Farrell (32) for our men’s team. The England international has joined for two seasons and will join up with the ciel et blanc

One report in France indicates that the former England captain could be earning up to £1.2m per season.