Rugby coach Farrell sacked with immediate effect following conviction
Yesterday at 06:04 PM
Former Ireland international Chris Farrell has been sacked by French club Oyonnax following his recent conviction.
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Farrell’s Sentence: Electronic Tag for Two Years
The 31-year-old received a four-year sentence, with two years suspended, for failure to prevent a rape crime. While the County Tyrone-born Farrell avoided prison time, he must wear an electronic tag for two years and remain in France.
Courtroom Drama in Bordeaux
The trial, held at Bordeaux's Cour d'Assises, also saw former Ireland Under-20 international Denis Coulson handed a 14-year sentence after being found guilty of raping a woman in Bordeaux in 2017.
Five Rugby Players on Trial
All five men on trial had been teammates at FC Grenoble, including Farrell. Here's how the sentences broke down:
- Loick Jammes (30, France): Found guilty of rape, sentenced to 14 years.
- Rory Grice (34, New Zealand): Found guilty of rape, sentenced to 12 years.
- Dylan Hayes (30, New Zealand): Given a two-year suspended sentence for failure to prevent a crime.
Oyonnax Cuts Ties
On Thursday, Oyonnax confirmed that both Farrell and Grice's contracts had been terminated.
Oyonnax's Official Statement
“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.
“Also, after having taken note of the criminal convictions handed down against the two players, the members of the Council unanimously took the decision to terminate the contracts of Rory Grice and Chris Farrell.
“The club will not make any further comment on this matter.”
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