Rugby World Cup tournament director Michel Poussau has stated that World Rugby is "shocked and horrified" by the alleged abduction and rape of an Irish woman in Bordeaux last weekend.
"On behalf of World Rugby, we are completely shocked and horrified by these events," said Poussau. "We will support the victim as much as we can.
"It's obviously hard to comment any further because there is an investigation in place, and that's for the French authorities to deal with. But obviously, we are very shocked by what's happened in Bordeaux."
The incident is said to have occurred on the opening weekend of the tournament, which began on Friday and ended on Sunday.
According to reports, the woman was walking near her accommodation in the Saint-Pierre district of Bordeaux when she was seized by three men on Sunday evening.
French prosecutors have opened an investigation after an Irish rugby supporter claimed she was raped in Bordeaux at the start of the World Cup hosted by France https://t.co/YIZ5mX2qDc
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) September 11, 2023
She was then driven to Rue du Puits Descazaux, where the attack took place, before the men fled when residents raised the alarm.
Afterwards, the woman was found in the street by a group of Welsh supporters, according to media reports, who apparently helped her return to her accommodation.
French police are now looking for the three men in question over the incident.
The IRFU has also offered its support to the victim of the alleged attack.
"We are shocked and extend our deepest sympathies to the victim. The IRFU wants all fans to have a positive experience supporting the team in France, and we urge all travelers to take care and look out for each other."
Gardaí have also been flown out to France for the duration of the World Cup to assist Irish visitors in the country.
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