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Former Australia rugby captain Rocky Elsom has been sentenced to two years in prison after being found guilty of misusing corporate assets during his tenure as president of French club Narbonne.

The 42-year-old was also fined €100,000 (£84,141) by a French court, though half of that amount was suspended. Elsom was convicted in absentia on Friday, and an international arrest warrant has been issued for him, with his current whereabouts unknown.

Legal Troubles and Previous Convictions

Elsom, a 75-cap Wallaby and 2009 Heineken Cup winner with Leinster, took over Narbonne in the 2015-16 season. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing.

This is not his first sentencing. In October 2024, he was originally handed a five-year prison term after being found guilty of:
✅ Forgery
✅ Use of forgery
✅ Misuse of corporate assets

After an appeal, he was retried in 2025, with the forgery charges dropped. However, the court upheld his conviction for misuse of corporate assets and ordered him to pay €219,760 (£184,904) in compensation to the club’s liquidator.

Prosecutors had initially sought a three-year prison sentence and a €630,000 (£529,411) fine.

Narbonne’s Downfall and Elsom’s Escape

Once a powerhouse in French rugby, Narbonne—a two-time French champion—fell into financial trouble and went into liquidation in 2018. The club now competes in the third-tier Federale league.

Elsom had been living in Ireland since August 2024, but he fled the country after a French arrest warrant was issued against him last year. His current location remains a mystery.

A Decorated Rugby Career Ends in Controversy

A dynamic blindside flanker, Elsom captained the Wallabies from 2009 to 2011 after making his international debut in 2005.

His rugby legacy includes being named man of the match in Leinster’s historic 2009 Heineken Cup victory, playing alongside Irish legends Johnny Sexton and Brian O'Driscoll.

Now, instead of being remembered solely for his achievements on the field, his name is making headlines for all the wrong reasons.

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