Oct 16,2024
Former Leinster and Australia rugby player Rocky Elsom has denied allegations of forgery and embezzlement while president of French club Narbonne after an international warrant was issued for his arrest.
The 41-year-old was found guilty of forgery, use of forgery and misuse of corporate assets in 2014 and 2015 by a Narbonne court last week but said in a statement published by the Sydney Morning Herald newspaper on Tuesday that he had not been informed of the court hearing or given an opportunity to defend himself against the allegations.
"Not allowing me to defend the charges, is a clear perversion of justice," Elsom said.
"I have little more information on the evidence that was presented in the hearing (other) than (what) is in the public domain. So, I can only address the allegations that have been raised publicly.
"I have not been questioned in this matter and the lengthy process seems to have deliberately excluded me from giving evidence."
The paper said Elsom had engaged a lawyer to appeal the court's decision.
A powerful blindside flanker, Elsom played 75 tests for Australia and captained the Wallabies from 2009 until just before the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
He joined Leinster for the 2008-09 season and played a key role in the Irish province winning their first European Champions Cup, being named man of the match in the semi-final and final.
Elsom recently told the Sunday Times newspaper that he was back living in Dublin for the first time since 2009, coaching at the Catholic University School on Leeson Street.
Additional reporting: Reuters
