Vinaya Habosi returned to the field after facing an investigation for domestic violence and made a significant impact as Racing 92 triumphed over Vannes in the Top 14 on Saturday. Meanwhile, Hugo Auradou played his first match for Pau since being accused of rape in Argentina.
Habosi delivered a crucial performance in the first half, just weeks after his arrest following a domestic dispute with his wife. The 24-year-old has faced disciplinary action from Racing 92 and is required to participate in a domestic violence education program.
The Fijian winger managed to score as Racing overcame an early deficit to secure a 27-24 victory. This win marked only their second in five matches this season, alleviating some of the pressure on head coach Stuart Lancaster.
Vannes, competing in their first season in the top league, remain at the bottom of the standings after suffering their fourth consecutive defeat.
In Perpignan, France lock Auradou made his start for Pau roughly a month after returning from Argentina, where he faced serious allegations following a match against the Pumas. He was arrested alongside La Rochelle flanker Oscar Jegou after they were accused of assaulting a woman in a hotel after a night out.
The players have denied the claims, asserting that any sexual encounter was consensual. Recent developments revealed that Argentine prosecutors have advised dismissing the rape charges against both players.
Though Jegou has resumed training with La Rochelle, he will not participate in their match against Lyon on Saturday.
Later that day, Antoine Dupont’s former team, Castres, was set to face Toulouse, the current club of the star scrum-half, who was absent as he spent the last week of his post-Olympic gold medal vacation in the United States, where he met football legend Lionel Messi in Miami.