Former Wallabies captain Rocky Elsom has broken his long silence, speaking exclusively to 7NEWS as he battles to clear his name from a two-year prison sentence handed down by a French court. The conviction stems from allegations of misusing corporate assets during his tenure as club president of Narbonne.
From International Manhunt to Queensland Hideaway
Elsom effectively vanished from public view after becoming the subject of an international manhunt in late 2024. Despite an active arrest warrant in France, he has been tracked down living quietly in Queensland's picturesque Noosa hinterland. The rugby champion was recently spotted in the small community of Cooroy, where he has been residing since returning to Australia in 2024.
A Trial Held in Absentia
Elsom left Ireland and returned home after a French court convicted him on fraud charges related to the rugby club he owned. However, in his first public comments since the conviction, Elsom revealed a startling detail about the legal proceedings.
Speaking to 7NEWS by phone, Elsom explained: "They didn't notify me of my own trial, which means not only was I not there, I wasn't represented, and so I could give no evidence and I've never been questioned."
The Legal Journey and Reduced Sentence
The former Australian rugby captain was initially sentenced to five years in prison. However, an appeal last year resulted in a significant legal development. While acquitted of the fraud charges, the court upheld allegations relating to misusing corporate assets, reducing his sentence to two years and issuing an arrest warrant.
Living Quietly in Cooroy
Elsom has not indicated whether he plans to return to France and firmly rejects any suggestion that he has been in hiding. However, his whereabouts remained unknown until a newspaper reporter successfully tracked him down.
News Corp reporter Greg Stolz described the search: "We went up there and spent a couple of days on a good old-fashioned stakeout just trying to find him. His whereabouts has basically been a mystery since he fled Europe in 2024."
For now, Elsom appears content with his quiet life in Cooroy. He shared: "Everyone I deal with, you know, from everywhere I shop, where I get my materials, all the people have been fantastic. And I couldn't ask for more than that. Like I said, I was very happy to come home."
Legal Experts Weigh In
Criminologist Dr. Terry Goldsworthy highlighted the potential complications now that Elsom's location is public knowledge. He explained: "The thing that will now have to be decided is what action will take place from the Australian authorities and the French authorities now that his location has been widely reported in the media and it's no longer a secret."
Maintaining Innocence and Launching Appeal
Elsom maintains his complete innocence regarding all charges. He has confirmed that he has launched an appeal against the jail sentence, continuing his legal fight from Australian soil.
7NEWS has reached out to French authorities for comment on the situation and is currently awaiting their response regarding the international arrest warrant and potential extradition proceedings.
