A rugby league player facing multiple criminal charges has fled to his home country of Papua New Guinea, prompting an extradition process to bring him back to the UK.

Keven Appo, 25, who played for the Bradford Bulls, was charged with rape, sexual assault, and two counts of assault. He was granted conditional bail at 4pm on 26 November, but by8.40pm that same evening, he had boarded a flight from Manchester Airport to Dubai, ultimately arriving in Papua New Guinea via a connecting flight.

Prosecutor Fiona Newcombe told Bradford Magistrates’ Court on Monday that efforts were now underway to return Mr. Appo to the United Kingdom to face the charges against him. He had been scheduled to appear for a hearing on Monday morning but failed to attend.

The court heard that Mr. Appo had handed over his house and car keys to the manager of the rugby club before his departure, suggesting he had no intention of returning.

Extradition Efforts Underway

Authorities in the UK are now working with law enforcement officials in Papua New Guinea to secure Mr. Appo’s extradition. The legal process for extradition could be complex and time-consuming, depending on the cooperation between the two nations.

Following his charges, the Bradford Bulls terminated Mr. Appo’s contract. The club previously issued a statement confirming that it had “cancelled Keven Appo’s playing contract.”

Rugby Career and International Representation

Mr. Appo, an international player for Papua New Guinea, previously competed in the 2022 Rugby League World Cup, which was hosted in England. He joined the Bulls as a forward in 2023 and signed a two-year contract extension in August last year.

His sudden departure has raised concerns over bail conditions and enforcement measures to prevent suspects from fleeing the country. Further updates on his extradition proceedings are expected in the coming weeks as UK authorities seek to bring him back to stand trial.