Big blow for Oscar Jegou, a very promising young player from La Rochelle and the French under-20 team. Last week, the third row from La Rochelle received a letter from the French Anti-Doping Agency (AFLD) informing him that he had tested positive for cocaine. According to L’Équipe, the player consumed this illicit substance during a housewarming party taking place two days before the match against Montpellier (15-16), on August 20.
Oscar Jegou risks a lot in this story. Summoned next Tuesday in Paris to the AFLD premises, if he is able to prove that he only consumed cocaine in a festive setting and not to modify his performances, the player could receive a fine. 3 month suspension, with the possibility of seeing his sentence reduced to 1 month if he agrees to undergo treatment. Otherwise, he could be banned for 4 years.
Oscar Jegou, in February, during the last Under-20 Six Nations Tournament. Photo Loic Cousin/Icon Sport 2023 Icon Sport
In a press release, Stade Rochelais, which speaks of “shock” explained that “while awaiting the progress of the procedure initiated by the AFLD, and depending on its result, the management of the Club is considering the decisions that will be taken in terms of sanction and support for the player concerned, who was laid off as a precautionary measure” and also specifies that this information will “lead to the strengthening at a maximum level of our internal prevention and control system, at the height of this threat which particularly lurks today around our youth. »
Oscar Jegou was particularly noted for his performances during the Under-20 World Cup won this summer by the French in South Africa. At club level, the player was used during the first three Top 14 matches by his coach Ronan O’Gara who said he counted “a lot on him”. For now, the third line from La Rochelle is provisionally suspended pending his hearing next Tuesday.
