Episode 3090: Rocky Elsom In Hiding – A World Service Exclusive Interview, Amorim United v Man City

Last month, Rocky Elsom gave a rare interview to the Sunday Times. Much to everyone’s surprise, he confirmed that he was back living and coaching in Dublin, 15 years on from his legendary ’08/’09 Heineken Cup-winning season with Leinster.

©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

Five days later, a French court found him guilty in his absence of misuse of corporate assets, forgery and use of forgery, sentenced him to five years in prison and ordered him to pay a sum of over €700,000.

The conviction relates to his time as president and majority shareholder at Racing Club Narbonne, a rugby club in the south of France which Elsom owned until 2016. He claims he was never made aware that the trial was happening, and therefore that he was unable to defend himself.

©INPHO/Morgan Treacy

With an international warrant out for his arrest, he’s been in hiding ever since. We speak to him today about his response to the conviction, how he explains the payments that form the basis of the court’s decision and where the case goes from here.

©INPHO/Morgan Treacy

We also look ahead to tonight’s somewhat bizarre Champions League fixture between Rúben Amorim’s Sporting CP and Pep’s Man City. (44.15)

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