Sentenced to heavy sentences for a gang rape that occurred in 2017, three former FC Grenoble Rugby players, Denis Coulson, Loïck Jammes and Rory Grice, have decided to appeal. As reported The Teamthis decision relaunches a case that has shaken the world of rugby and French justice for almost seven years.
Severe sentences for three of the accused
The verdict, rendered on December 13 by the Gironde Assize Court, was final for Denis Coulson and Loïck Jammes, sentenced to 14 years of criminal imprisonmentand for Rory Grice, receiving 12 years in prison. Chris Farrell and Dylan Hayes, also tried in this case, received lighter sentences: 4 years with 2 years suspended for one and 2 years suspended for the other.
Despite these convictions, lawyers for the three main defendants announced that they were appealing, hoping to obtain a second trial. According to The Teama hearing should be held at the beginning of 2025 before the Bordeaux Court of Appeal.
A strategy focused on appeal and provisional release
In this context, a request for provisional release was also filed for Coulson, Jammes and Grice. If accepted, they could be released within two months, pending the new hearing. For their part, Farrell and Hayes are still hesitant to appeal, fearing an increase in their sentences.
The lawyers of the three most heavily sanctioned convicts remain confident and hope to demonstrate their innocence during this new legal action. An approach which comes after a first trial marked by seven years of twists and turns and strong media coverage.
A hard blow for rugby and its values
Beyond the legal issues, this affair had a major impact on the image of rugby. These players, once promising, have seen their careers shattered, while the sport itself is faced with questions about the conduct and supervision of its practitioners. Rugby, often presented as a vector of strong values, suffers a hard blow here.
With this appeal procedure, the case is far from over. Rugby and its supporters are closely following this new stage, where the judges’ decisions in 2025 could redefine the contours of this story.
I grew up in a family where rugby was at all times. I was at the edge of the pitch when Castres beat Pau and joined the elite, I was in the Stade Pierre Antoine facing Gary Whetton when he did his Haka to celebrate the 1993 Brennus and I was always rocked legends of this sport. Now, it is with XV Ovalie that I intend to extend the adventure. #TeamCO
