Four months after his indictment for rape in Argentina, the Rochelais player, still awaiting dismissal, returned to the pitch on Saturday evening.
He was the star attraction of the match between Stade Rochelais and Stade Français Paris on Saturday evening at the Marcel-Deflandre stadium. 119 days after his arrest in Mendoza, Argentina, and his indictment, along with his XV de France team-mate Hugo Auradou, for alleged rape, Oscar Jegou was back on the pitch. He played a solid match and even received several standing ovations from the crowd.
A choice commented on by his manager, Ronan O’Gara, at the Canal + microphone at the end of a match in which Jegou was given a standing ovation. match won 35-18 during which the third-line wing scored a try. “It’s great for everyone, especially the fans, to see Oscar perform like that,” commented the Irishman. It was Vincent Merling and Pierre Venayre (president and general manager of Stade Rochelais, editor’s note) who decided it was time for him to play. I didn’t have an opinion because these things are dictated above me. After that, it was obvious to start him because he’s a class player.”
The Maritimes’ loyal fans – who once again numbered almost 18,000 in the stadium for a 97e sold-out match in a row – applauded his name before kick-off. Then they gave him a standing ovation when he scored the 3e of his team’s four tries, before finally cheering him on during their team’s lap of honor. A show of support appreciated by the player himself, who responded by forming a heart over his head with his hands.
A try scored and applauded by the public
It’s true that Oscar Jegou shone on his big comeback after four months’ inactivity, showing unexpected form to deliver a flawless copy. 12 successful tackles (none missed), 22 meters of ball in hand, one crossing. And a try for the offensive bonus on the hour mark.
Pending the verdict of the Argentinian judge on his lawyers’ request for a dismissal, supported by the Mendoza public prosecutor’s office – the case is still pending. as revealed by Le Figaro, the appeals chamber refused on Friday to hear the case. the plaintiff’s request to add new medical expertises and the verdict could come down next week – the 21-year-old player garnered nothing but praise.
Before the match, his partner Will Skelton told a press conference that he was delighted to see him back on the pitch. “I’m so pleased for him that he’s in the squad. He’s been training with us for the last three or four weeks and, physically, he looks very good and he always brings energy to training… It’s a credit to the coaches for getting him back in the group.”said the Australian.
He was in a tough spot, but we were always behind him. He must be proud of his performance
Stade Rochelais captain, Dillyn Leyds
We were equally satisfied after the match. Third-row team-mate Matthias Haddad told Canal +: “Oscar was always there. He’s always worked hard. This has been a complicated period for him, for the club and for rugby in general. We’ll let justice take its course.” Before adding, in a post-match conference: “Oscar’s comeback is the fruit of his labour. He worked in silence. It’s his strength to give his all. He was determined to play a good game.”
His captain for the evening, South Africa’s Dillyn Leyds, was even more enthusiastic. “He’s enormous, Oscar! We’re very proud of him. He played a great game. He was in a tough spot, but we were always behind him. He must be proud of his performance.”concluded the winger.
All this acclaim and praise made social networks cringe, with circumspect, even ulcerated comments blooming at every positive demonstration by the Rochelais public in favor of Oscar Jegou.