Papua New Guinea rugby league international Keven Appo has fled the UK after being charged with rape, sexual assault, and assault.
Appo, 25, was granted conditional bail in late November but reportedly boarded a flight to Papua New Guinea via Dubai before his scheduled court appearance.
West Yorkshire Police confirmed the charges stem from a report filed in April 2024 following an investigation by the Calderdale District Adult Protection Team.
His former club the Bradford Bulls have since terminated his contract, stating they will make no further comment.
Appo, who previously played for the PNG Hunters and represented his country at the 2021 Rugby League World Cup, has been replaced at the Bulls by Sheffield Eagles back-rower Bayley Liu. An extradition process is now in progress to bring Appo back to the UK.
