Former Australia rugby captain Rocky Elsom has been sentenced to two years in prison for misusing corporate assets while leading French club Narbonne.
A French court also fined the 42-year-old 100,000 euros (£84,141), though half of the amount was suspended. However, Elsom was convicted in absentia on Friday, and authorities have issued an international arrest warrant.
Elsom, who earned 75 caps for Australia and played a key role in Leinster’s 2009 Heineken Cup triumph, took over Narbonne in 2015-16. Despite facing serious allegations, he has consistently denied any wrongdoing. His initial conviction in October 2024 resulted in a five-year prison sentence, but a retrial led to a reduced term.
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During the original trial, Elsom was found guilty of forgery, use of forgery, and misuse of corporate assets. However, in the latest proceedings, the forgery charges were dropped. Despite this, he has been ordered to pay 219,760 euros (£184,904) in compensation to the club’s liquidator.
The prosecution had initially pushed for a three-year jail sentence along with a hefty fine of 630,000 euros (£529,411). Narbonne, a historic club with two French championship titles and three runner-up finishes, fell into financial ruin and liquidation in 2018. Now, they compete in the third-tier Federale league.
Elsom was a great player
Elsom, a dominant blindside flanker, led the Wallabies between 2009 and 2011 after making his debut in 2005. His standout performance in the 2009 Heineken Cup final, where he played alongside legends Johnny Sexton and Brian O’Driscoll, cemented his legacy.
Reports indicate that Elsom had been residing in Ireland since August 2024. However, once authorities issued an arrest warrant, he fled the country, leaving his current whereabouts unknown.
Tags: Rocky Elsom, Australia Rugby, Narbonne, Heineken Cup final, Federale league, #NewsRoundTheClock, #nrtcnewsnigeria, #nrtcnews, #nrtcnigeria, #nrtcsports, international arrest warrant.
