Former Australia rugby captain Rocky Elsom has been sentenced to two years in prison by a French court for misusing corporate funds during his tenure as president of Narbonne rugby club between 2015-2016.
The 42-year-old, who was convicted in absentia and is now subject to an international arrest warrant, was also fined €100,000—half suspended—and ordered to pay €240,000 in compensation.
Prosecutors had initially sought a harsher sentence, with Elsom having previously been handed a five-year term before a retrial.
His lawyer Yann Le Bras announced plans to appeal, citing procedural issues and evidence supporting Elsom’s innocence.
The former Wallabies flanker, capped 75 times, has claimed he was scapegoated for financial troubles that led to Narbonne’s relegation in 2018.
