Rugby League Player Flees UK for PNG After Rape Charges

Keven Appo, a rugby league player charged with rape, sexual assault, and two counts of assault, has fled to his home country of Papua New Guinea.

Appo, 25, who played for Bradford Bulls, was granted conditional bail on November 26, 2024.

By that evening, he had boarded a flight to Dubai from Manchester Airport and subsequently arrived in Papua New Guinea.

Prosecutor Fiona Newcombe informed the court that an extradition process is underway to return Appo to the UK to face the charges.

Appo was due for a court hearing on Monday morning but had handed over his house and car keys to the rugby club manager before fleeing.

The Bradford Bulls have since terminated his playing contract.

Appo, an international player for Papua New Guinea, participated in the 2022 Rugby League World Cup and joined the Bulls in 2023, signing a new two-year deal in August last year.