French club sack ex-Ireland centre and New Zealander after high-profile rape trial
Chris Farrell at the court for the gang rape trial of a student in Bordeaux. The trial of a group of rugby players accused of gang raping a student after a 2017 match.
French Pro D2 club Oyonnax have terminated the contracts of Rory Grice and Chris Farrell following their involvement in a high-profile rape trial.
The two players have been convicted for their involvement in a gang rape committed in 2017 in Bordeaux.
While they have both exercised their right to appeal their convictions, the club have made the decision to sever ties with the pair after careful consideration.
Chris Farrell and Rory Grice sacked
“Following the verdict delivered by the Gironde Assize Court on December 13, 2024, concerning the criminal case involving Rory Grice and Chris Farrell, the Board of Directors met to decide on their future within the club’s professional workforce,” an Oyonnax press release read.
“Also, after having taken note of the criminal convictions handed down against the two players, the members of the Council have unanimously taken the decision to terminate the contracts of Rory Grice and Chris Farrell.”
On 13 December 2024, five rugby players were sentenced to prison terms ranging from four to 14 years for the gang rape, with the incident occurring after a heavy night of drinking.
Former Ireland and Munster centre Farrell was sentenced to four years, two of which suspended, for his involvement while 34-year-old New Zealander Grice has received a 12-year prison sentence.
Ex-Waikato and New Zealand U20 back-rower, Grice, joined Oyonnax back in 2017 from Grenoble and has played over 120 matches for the club before his dismal.
Other players involved
Meanwhile, Farrell headed to Oyonnax in 2023 after spells with Ulster, Grenoble and Munster.
After representing Ireland at U20s level, he would go on to play for the senior team on 15 occasions between 2017 and 2021.
His sentence includes home confinement with an electronic tag.
Irish prop Denis Coulson was also involved in the incident and has been sentenced to 14 years in prison while New Zealand loose forward Dylan Hayes was handed a two-year suspended prison sentence.
Lo?ck Jammes is the only person involved that is still playing rugby despite the Provence hooker being sentenced to 14 years in prison.
His club issued a statement confirming that they would be awaiting further legal developments before making any decision.
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