Brian,
That sounds terrible, have you contacted JP3 who manufacture many steering parts and possibly the rudder. Jefa is another possibility if they did the 44.
Sorry if the link does not work. Try googling Dufour 44 JP3 that’s how I found the site. I remember many years ago considering a new rudder drawings for my D34Pfor a Beneteau First Class 8 and the shipping was more expensive than the rudder! I can see some logic in having one made local to you if the drawings are available. I think I have the drawings for my D34P so the D44P should also be available. Hopefully someone more knowledgeable will come along soon.