Four months after his indictment for rape in Argentina, the La Rochelle player, still awaiting a dismissal, returned to the field on Saturday evening.
It was the attraction of the meeting between Stade Rochelais and Stade Français Paris, Saturday evening at the Marcel-Deflandre stadium. 119 days after his arrest in Mendoza, Argentina, and his indictment, with his teammate from the XV of France Hugo Auradou, for alleged rape, Oscar Jegou returned to the field. Author of a solid match, he even received a standing ovation several times from the public.
A choice commented on by his manager, Ronan O'Gara, on Canal + at the end of a match won 35 to 18 during which the third-row 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 that it was the time for him to play. I had no opinion because these were things dictated above me. Afterwards, starting him was obvious because he is a class player.”
The loyal Maritime fans – there were again almost 18,000 in the stadium for a 97e sold-out match in a row – applauded when his name was announced before kick-off. Before giving him a standing ovation when he scored the 3e of his team's four tries, to finally cheer him during their team's lap of honor. Shows of support appreciated by the person concerned who responded by forming a heart with his hands above his head.
An essay registered and praised by the public
It is true that Oscar Jegou shone for his comeback after four months of inactivity, displaying an unexpected form to produce a copy without erasure. 12 successful tackles (no misses), 22 meters covered with ball in hand, one crossing. And a try scored, that of the offensive bonus, at the hour of play.
While awaiting the verdict of the Argentine judge regarding the dismissal request of her lawyers, supported by the Mendoza public prosecutor's office – as Le Figaro revealed, the appeals chamber on Friday refused the plaintiff's request to add new medical expertise and the verdict could fall next week – the 21-year-old player has received nothing but praise.
Before the match, his partner, Will Skelton, was delighted, at a press conference, to find him on the field. “I’m so happy for him that he’s in the group. He has been training with us for three or four weeks and, physically, he seems very good and he always brings energy to training… It is to the coaches' credit to have him back in the group.greeted the Australian.
He was in tough times, but we were always behind him. He must be proud of his performance
The captain of Stade Rochelais, Dillyn Leyds
Same satisfaction after the meeting. His third-row teammate, Matthias Haddad, said on Canal +: “Oscar has always been there. He always worked. This period was complicated for him, for the club and for rugby in general. We let justice take its course.” Before adding, in the post-match conference: “Oscar’s return is the fruit of his work. He worked in silence. It's his strength to give his all. He was keen to have a good match.”
His one-night captain, South African Dillyn Leyds, was even more enthusiastic. “Oscar is huge! We are very proud of him. He had a great match. He was in tough times, but we were always behind him. He must be proud of his performance.concluded the winger.
So many acclamations and praises which made people cringe on social networks, where circumspect, even ulcerated, comments flourished with each positive manifestation of the La Rochelle public towards Oscar Jegou.
