Rugby World Cup 2023 marred by Irish woman, 37, who claims she was raped by three men in Bordeaux
An Irish woman has allegedly been raped by multiple attackers while on holiday in France for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
The 37-year-old woman was in Bordeaux for Ireland’s opening match victory over Romania on Sunday and was hours later allegedly raped by three men.
The traveller was allegedly abducted just after midnight on Monday along Rue de la Rousselle, which is located in the bustling Saint-Pierre district of Bordeaux’s old town, and taken to Rue du Puits Descazeaux, according to multiple local reports.
After the incident the three men reportedly fled the scene on foot, with the Irish woman later found lying on the street by Welsh rugby fans who took her back to her accommodation and then contacted police.
The woman was reportedly able to return to her accommodation but officers arrived to find the 37-year-old “traumatised and prostrate”, L’Independent reported.
Despite being back at her accommodation, the woman was so shaken up that initially she was unable to tell the police what had happened.
The woman was taken to Bordeaux University Hospital for treatment before she gave a statement to Irish police, who are travelling with the team and supporters.
French police have opened an investigation into the alleged rape.
The investigators are looking at footage from surveillance cameras from the area to help identify three men, with one described as “very athletic”.
“The investigations are underway and in particular the genetic examinations on the victim and the clothing, the collection of testimonies and the study of the video protection of the neighbourhood,” a police statement said.
The Irish Rugby Football Union released a statement confirming it was “aware” of the incident in Bordeaux.
“We are shocked and extend our deepest sympathies to the victim,” the statement said, according to The Irish Times.
“The IRFU wants all fans to have a positive experience supporting the team in France and we urge all travellers to take care and look out for each other.”
Thousands of Irish fans remain in Bordeaux before Ireland’s next game of the World Cup against Tonga on Sunday in Nantes.
SOURCE: SKYNEWS
