By Priscilla Rotich

An international arrest warrant has been issued for former Australian rugby star Rocky Elsom after he was found guilty of embezzlement in France.

A French court found the former Australian captain guilty of forgery and misuse of corporate assets during his tenure as president of French rugby club Narbonne from 2015 to 2016.

French media are reporting that the former Wallabies flanker has been sentenced in absentia to a five-year prison term.

Elsom, 41, was ordered to repay embezzled funds amounting to £586,000, which he misappropriated before leaving Narbonne. It is alleged he paid £66,000 to a former manager without valid reasons.

Irish sports star, 41, made his name playing for Leinster Rugby in the late 2000s, contributing to the team’s victorious campaign in the prestigious Heineken Cup in 2009.

Additionally, some reports claim that Elsom hired an Australian person for a monthly fee of £6,000 despite there being no evidence that this person was providing services in Narbonne.

Following the takeover of Narbonne by Australian investment fund FGM in 2011, Elsom emerged as the main shareholder, briefly representing the club towards the end of his career in 2014.

Unfortunately, the once-successful French team, winners of the French championship title in 1936 and 1979, faced financial difficulties and was ultimately liquidated in 2018.

During previous media coverage, journalist Jérôme Prévot from Midi Olympique explained his meeting with Elsom. “We have never seen such a secretive president. Her media revelations were as rare as those of the Queen of England,” Prévot said.

“He seemed to particularly enjoy isolating the city club from its supporters, elected officials, partners and all the media. He appeared at the last moment just before the matches, pretending not to speak French,” he said.

Elsom, originally from Melbourne, began his sporting career in rugby league with the Canterbury Bulldogs before moving to rugby union.

Over the years, he represented Australia 75 times between 2005 and 2011, showcasing his skills on the international stage.

Not only did Elsom contribute 70 points to the team, but he also played an important role in the 2011 World Cup and captained the Wallabies 22 times.