Why former Leinster rugby star Rocky Elsom is on the run from French police

Elsom was found guilty of forgery and embezzlement by a French court last month

Listen | 16:08
Rocky Elsom. Photograph: Morgan Treacy/Inpho
Rocky Elsom. Photograph: Morgan Treacy/Inpho

Rocky Elsom was a fearsome competitor on the rugby pitch, capable of winning matches almost single-handedly with his dominance in attack and defence.

Ireland and Leinster great Brian O’Driscoll called the Australian “the best player I have ever played with”.

But last month Elsom was handed a five-year sentence having being found guilty of forgery and embezzlement by a French court, in absentia. He had been living in Dublin, coaching rugby at a private school but now his whereabouts is unknown and there’s an international arrest warrant out for him.

But that hasn’t stopped him using media interviews to make his case and attempt to clear his name.

READ MORE

Irish Times sports writer John O’Sullivan has been following his career from the highs on the pitch to this fall from grace.

Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by John Casey.

Bernice Harrison

Bernice Harrison

Bernice Harrison is an Irish Times journalist and cohost of In the News podcast