World Cup rocked by rape allegation
An Irish rugby fan was allegedly abducted and gang-raped by three men while in France for the World Cup.
World Cup
Don't miss out on the headlines from World Cup. Followed categories will be added to My News.
French prosecutors have opened an investigation after an Irish rugby supporter said she was raped in Bordeaux at the start of the World Cup hosted by France.
The incident happened late on Saturday in the wake of Ireland’s victory over Romania in the southwestern city, with the victim found by a group of fans from Wales, whose team took on Fiji in the city a day later, prosecutors said.
The 37-year-old woman then gave evidence at her rented apartment to Irish police who have been specially deployed in the city for the World Cup.
According to the victim’s statements, she was sexually assaulted “by several perpetrators”, who then fled.
Forensic tests are ongoing and images from the area’s video protection cameras are also being studied in order to find the attackers, prosecutors said on Monday.
The woman was on Rue Rouselle in the popular Saint-Pierre district, and close to her accommodation, when the alleged attack happened.
Le Parisien reported that “three individuals seized her and took her to Rue du Puits Descazaux” which is not far away. She was then allegedly raped.
Afterwards the distressed woman was “found in the street by a group of Welsh supporters”, who were also in the town to watch their opening game against Fiji, Independent.ie reports.
She was taken to hospital in Bordeaux and has been referred to a victim support association.
A Garda spokesperson said: “Members of An Garda Síochána currently deployed in France for the duration of the Rugby World Cup tournament to assist Irish people visiting France are liaising with local authorities in relation to an alleged incident.
“The investigation is a matter for French police. An Garda Síochána has no further comment at this time.”
Police are now seeking three men.
– With AFP
Originally published as World Cup rocked by rape allegation
The Jones backflip that ended Hooper’s Wallaby career
At a tribute lunch for his career, former Wallabies skipper Michael Hooper has spoken candidly about Eddie Jones’s decision to cut short his time at international level.
Wallaroos slow off the mark on road to the World Cup
The Wallaroos, much like their male counterparts, have got a fair way to go before they can contend for the ultimate prize at the Rugby World Cup after a heavy loss to Canada.