**Trial Opens in Paris for the Murder of Rugby Star Federico Aramburu**
The trial concerning the murder of former Argentine rugby international Federico Aramburu commenced in Paris on Monday, September 7, 2026, more than four years after his tragic death. Aramburu was shot dead in the French capital on March 19, 2022, following an altercation near Boulevard Saint-Germain.
Two men, Loik Le Priol, 32, and Romain Bouvier, 35, are facing serious charges in connection with the incident. Le Priol is charged with murder, while Bouvier faces charges of attempted murder. Both individuals are already serving prison sentences for aggravated assault in a separate case. Additionally, Lyson Rochemir, 29, Le Priol's then-girlfriend, is on trial for attempted murder as well.
The investigation into Aramburu's death revealed that he was enjoying a late-night drink with fellow former rugby player Shaun Hegarty at the Mabillon café when the confrontation occurred. Le Priol, Bouvier, and Rochemir were seated at a nearby table. Eyewitness accounts and CCTV footage indicated that a dispute arose between the two groups, escalating into a physical altercation involving Aramburu, Hegarty, Le Priol, and Bouvier. Security personnel intervened to break up the fight.
Following the confrontation, the situation escalated outside the café. Prosecutors allege that Bouvier, who had arrived in a vehicle driven by Rochemir, fired shots at Aramburu, after which Le Priol also opened fire. Aramburu was pronounced dead at the scene, while the three defendants fled the area. Rochemir was arrested later that day in Paris, and Bouvier was apprehended a few days later in the Sarthe region. Le Priol was arrested in Hungary while attempting to cross into Ukraine. A fourth individual, Antony Sorrentino, is also on trial, accused of assisting Bouvier in evading arrest.
The trial is expected to last until September 25, 2026, when the court is scheduled to deliver its verdict. If convicted, Le Priol, Bouvier, and Rochemir could face life sentences.
Aramburu, who earned 22 caps for Argentina's national rugby team, played for several French clubs, including Biarritz and Perpignan. His death has sparked a significant outcry for justice, particularly in his native Argentina. Ahead of a recent match, members of the Argentine national team, known as the Pumas, wore black T-shirts emblazoned with the phrase “Justice for Fede” to honor their late teammate.
Friends and former teammates have described Aramburu as a person who was “always smiling” and a “true friend.” His loved ones have called for recognition of the gravity of his murder, emphasizing that he was a father of three whose life was taken in a violent act driven by hatred and intolerance.
The Argentine Rugby Union has also expressed its support for the call for justice, highlighting the need for society to remember the circumstances surrounding Aramburu's death. The campaign, backed by his family, friends, and the rugby community, aims to ensure that the focus remains on the tragic loss of a beloved individual rather than any attempts to downplay the severity of the crime.
As the trial unfolds, it is anticipated to draw significant attention both in France and Argentina, reflecting the impact of Aramburu's legacy in the world of rugby and the broader implications of violence and extremism in society.