Rugby Star Keven Appo Triggers Fury After Fleeing UK to Dodge Serious Allegations – Will He Face Justice?
Papua New Guinea rugby league player Keven Appo has ignited outrage after allegedly fleeing the United Kingdom to avoid facing multiple serious charges, including rape, sexual assault, and two counts of assault against a woman. The 25-year-old, who played for the Bradford Bulls in the UK’s RFL Championship, was granted conditional bail on November 26. However, reports suggest he quickly fled the country, boarding a flight from Manchester to Dubai before traveling to Papua New Guinea.
Appo was due to appear at Bradford Magistrates’ Court, but instead, authorities have launched an international effort to secure his return to the UK. West Yorkshire Police confirmed the charges stem from an investigation by the Calderdale District Adult Protection Team, initiated after a report was filed in April 2024.
The Bradford Bulls acted decisively, terminating Appo’s contract and issuing a brief statement. The club noted that it could not comment further given the legal situation and had already begun seeking a replacement.
Appo’s career had been on a steep upward trajectory. After spending three years with the PNG Hunters in Australia’s Queensland Cup, he joined the Bradford Bulls in 2022, quickly earning a reputation for his physicality and crowd-pleasing energy. Former coach Mark Dunning praised his ability to break through defenses and inspire fans. However, these accolades have now been overshadowed by the allegations and his controversial escape.
The central question remains: will Appo face justice, or will he continue to evade accountability in his home country? As extradition efforts continue, the rugby world is left grappling with the troubling reality of a sport that often idolizes its players—until allegations of serious misconduct surface.
Meanwhile, the Bradford Bulls have already moved forward, signing Bayley Liu from the Sheffield Eagles to replace Appo. However, for the victim and those demanding justice, the matter is far from resolved. Will Appo answer for his alleged crimes, or will he leave behind a trail of unanswered questions and broken trust?