Three Former Grenoble Rugby Players Jailed for 2017 Gang Rape of Student

A French court on Friday sentenced three former rugby players from French side Grenoble to prison terms ranging from 12 to 14 years for their involvement in the 2017 gang rape of a student.

The verdict marked the culmination of a lengthy legal process that began after the shocking incident in Bordeaux. Denis Coulson, 30, an Irish national, and Frenchman Loick Jammes, 30, were each sentenced to 14 years in prison, while New Zealander Rory Grice, 34, received a 12-year jail term.

The court also handed down lighter sentences to two other players present during the assault for failing to prevent the crime. Former Ireland international Chris Farrell, 31, received a four-year sentence, with two years suspended, while New Zealander Dylan Hayes, 30, was given a two-year suspended sentence.

The incident occurred in the early hours of March 12, 2017, following Grenoble’s defeat in a Top 14 rugby match against Bordeaux-Bègles. According to testimony, the 21-year-old student, identified only as V., met the players at a bar and later accompanied them to a nightclub, where they consumed significant amounts of alcohol.

V. stated in her complaint that she had no memory of how she ended up at the players’ hotel on the outskirts of Bordeaux. She woke up naked in a hotel room, discovering a crutch inserted in her vagina and two naked men nearby, with others fully clothed in the room.

The court heard that Coulson, Jammes, and Grice admitted to engaging in sexual activity with V. but claimed it was consensual. However, the jury rejected their defense, finding the evidence and victim’s testimony credible in establishing that the encounter was non-consensual.

Farrell, who owned the crutch used in the assault, was present at the scene but did not participate in the rape. He was convicted of failing to prevent the crime, as was Hayes, who also did not intervene.

The victim, who was in tears as she left the hotel that morning, reported the assault to police shortly after the incident. Her testimony, combined with forensic evidence and witness accounts, played a central role in securing the convictions.

The verdict has drawn significant public attention, both in France and internationally, given the high-profile nature of the accused and the brutality of the crime.

Advocacy groups praised the court’s decision, emphasizing the importance of holding perpetrators accountable, particularly in cases involving power dynamics and alcohol-fueled violence.

None of the defendants have commented publicly since the sentencing. Their legal teams have indicated they may consider appealing the verdicts, citing inconsistencies they allege in the victim’s account.

The ruling is the latest in a series of high-profile sexual assault cases that have sparked calls for greater accountability in the sports world. Critics argue that incidents like these highlight systemic issues surrounding toxic masculinity and the abuse of power.

For V., the sentencing brings a measure of justice after a seven-year ordeal. Her legal counsel emphasized the importance of the outcome, stating, “This verdict affirms that no one is above the law, no matter their status or profession.”

The Grenoble rugby club has since distanced itself from the convicted players, issuing a statement expressing solidarity with the victim and condemning all forms of violence and abuse.