Denis Coulson and Chris Farrell, along with three other players, were convicted in a case that underscores sexual violence in sports.
Irish Rugby Players Sentenced for Rape in Bordeaux Court
Irish Rugby Players Sentenced for Rape in Bordeaux Court
Two former rugby internationals face significant prison terms as Bordeaux court delivers verdicts.
Former Ireland U20 rugby international Denis Coulson has been sentenced to 14 years in prison by Bordeaux's Cour d'Assises for the rape of a woman in 2017. Coulson, who hails from Dublin and played for Connacht as well as the French club Stade Français, was one of two former Irish rugby players sentenced this week. The other, Chris Farrell, received a four-year sentence with two years suspended for his failure to prevent the crime.
As per the court's ruling, Farrell will avoid prison time but must wear an electronic tag for two years while remaining in France. They were among a group of five men, all former teammates at FC Grenoble, who faced trial over the case. Two other individuals, Loick Jammes from France and New Zealander Rory Grice, were also found guilty of rape, receiving sentences of 14 and 12 years, respectively. Another New Zealander, 30-year-old Dylan Hayes, received a two-year suspended sentence for failing to prevent the crime.
All five defendants had consistently denied the allegations brought against them, but the court’s decision sheds light on the troubling issue of sexual misconduct in the realm of professional sports.
