International arrest warrant issued for ex-Wallabies captain Rocky Elsom

Former Wallabies captain Rocky Elsom is wanted on an international arrest warrant by French authorities.

Elsom was sentenced to five years in prison by a court in the French city of Narbonne but was absent for the guilty verdict, on charges of forgery, use of forgery and misuse of corporate assets.

The 41-year-old was president of the French club RC Narbonne for three years until 2016.

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However, he left behind a "catastrophic financial situation" according to French newspaper Midi Olympique, after he was removed from the position.

Elsom, who also owns a construction company in Queensland, is accused of embezzling about $1.13 million before exiting the club, which was relegated to the third division of French rugby two years later.

The former Aussie skipper, who also had a successful stint at Irish club Leinster, was in Ireland last week and spoke to The Sunday Times, revealing he was back in the country to coach at the Catholic University School while he recovered from an injury.

"I'm recovering from an injury and this is a good place to be for it," Elsom said in the interview. "I had a break in work and thought I should take it. I'm trying to avoid getting cut open again so I'll just stay here and work on that.

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"With the construction business back home, I've got people there who are very good. They don't need me at the moment, so I'm happy about that."

Elsom recorded 75 caps for Australia and captained the side following his return from Ireland.

He played club rugby at the Waratahs, Brumbies, Kobelco Steelers, Toulon and Narbonne before retiring.