Rocky Elsom Flees Ireland to Avoid Extradition

Former Australian rugby player Rocky Elsom has fled Ireland to avoid extradition to France, where he was sentenced to five years in prison for forgery and misuse of corporate assets while president of Narbonne rugby club. Elsom, who denies wrongdoing, was found guilty in absentia and ordered to repay €700,000. He left Ireland after police attempted to arrest him, fearing that being in custody would complicate his defense. Elsom has criticized the trial for proceeding without his knowledge and is working with a French lawyer to contest the charges. He remains in hiding, maintaining that the allegations are an unjust attempt to hold him accountable for the club's financial issues. Elsom's case is complicated by concerns over delays in the French legal system and the potential for extended detention.