The Supreme Court of Mendoza in Argentina has upheld the acquittal of two French rugby players, Oscar Jegou and Hugo Auradou, who were accused of rape during a 2024 tour of the French XV team. The incident reportedly occurred after an evening of drinking following a match against the Argentine Pumas, during which the two players were in a hotel room with a 39-year-old Argentine woman. They were charged with aggravated rape in early July 2024, but the charges were dropped in December 2024 after five months of investigation. A first instance judge decided to abandon the proceedings, following recommendations from the prosecution, and the appeals chamber confirmed the acquittal in February 2025. The court stated there was a "lack of elements that allow to support a serious accusation." The plaintiff, represented by lawyer Natacha Romano, has announced her intention to file an "extraordinary appeal" with Argentina's National Supreme Court in Buenos Aires. As Argentina is a federal state, the highest judicial authority in the province of Mendoza had already notified the parties of the acquittal decision. During a hearing last July, Romano argued for the annulment of the acquittal and the reopening of the case, citing a "deficient investigation" and an "irregular expertise procedure" that she believes undermined the justice process. The defense of Jegou and Auradou maintains that the sexual encounter was consensual. In contrast, the plaintiff claims the act was non-consensual and involved significant violence. The case has drawn attention due to the serious nature of the allegations and the high-profile status of the accused, who are professional athletes. The outcome of the upcoming extraordinary appeal could have broader implications for how such cases are handled in Argentina's legal system. The incident highlights the challenges in legal proceedings involving allegations of sexual violence, where the burden of proof often rests heavily on the accuser. As the case moves forward, it will be closely watched by legal experts and the public, as it may influence future legal standards and the handling of similar cases in the region.