Denis Coulson, a former U20 rugby international, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for the rape of a woman in Bordeaux, France, in 2017. The verdict was delivered at Bordeaux's Cour d'Assises, where Coulson, born in Dublin and previously a player for Connacht and Stade Français, faced trial alongside other rugby players.
In addition to Coulson, Chris Farrell, who was part of Ireland's Grand Slam-winning squad in the 2018 Six Nations, received a four-year sentence with two years suspended for failing to prevent the crime. The court ruled that Farrell would not serve time in prison but would be required to wear an electronic tag for two years while remaining in France.
The trial included three other former teammates from FC Grenoble, with two also convicted of rape. Loick Jammes, a 30-year-old from France, received a 14-year sentence, while 34-year-old Rory Grice from New Zealand was sentenced to 12 years. Another New Zealander, Dylan Hayes, 30, received a two-year suspended sentence for failing to prevent a crime. All defendants had denied the charges against them.
In addition to Coulson, Chris Farrell, who was part of Ireland's Grand Slam-winning squad in the 2018 Six Nations, received a four-year sentence with two years suspended for failing to prevent the crime. The court ruled that Farrell would not serve time in prison but would be required to wear an electronic tag for two years while remaining in France.
The trial included three other former teammates from FC Grenoble, with two also convicted of rape. Loick Jammes, a 30-year-old from France, received a 14-year sentence, while 34-year-old Rory Grice from New Zealand was sentenced to 12 years. Another New Zealander, Dylan Hayes, 30, received a two-year suspended sentence for failing to prevent a crime. All defendants had denied the charges against them.
