Irish rugby fan allegedly abducted and raped in France after World Cup game

FRENCH investigators have opened an investigation after an Irish woman was allegedly raped in Bordeaux where Ireland played their first game of the tournament over the weekend. 

Local media reported that the woman was attacked overnight on Sunday and that police are currently seeking three men in relation to the incident.  

According to the France’s public prosecutor’s office, the alleged incident occurred overnight after the match between Wales and Fiji. According to the victim, the alleged incident happened in the city’s historical centre, “around midnight”. 

“She was found by a group of Welsh supporters in the streets,” said the public prosecutor’s office. She told members of An Garda Síochána who were in Bordeaux this weekend, because of the match between Ireland and Romania. 

According to the victim, she was sexually assaulted by “multiple people” who then ran away. 

According to the prosecutor’s office, forensic exams of her clothes are taking place and videos from camera surveillance are being looked at to find the suspects.

A garda spokesperson confirmed: "Members of An Garda Síochána currently deployed in France for the duration of the Rugby World Cup tournament to assist Irish people visiting France are liaising with local authorities in relation to an alleged incident". 

However, the spokesperson added that the investigation is a matter for French police.

"An Garda Síochána has no further comment at this time," they added. 

The woman is believed to have been on Rue Rouselle in the popular Saint-Pierre district on Sunday, which was close to her accommodation.

The woman is understood to have been taken to hospital in Bordeaux and has been referred to a victim support association.