Paris – Former rugby International Christophe Dominici, who was found dead at the age of 48 in a park near Paris on Tuesday, was undoubtedly one of the legends of modern French rugby.
The diminutive Dominici – who was 1.72m and 82kg – scored 25 tries in 67 Tests for France, including eight tries across three World Cups.
The head of the French Rugby Federation (FFR), Bernard Laporte, broke the news to the France team preparing to face Italy on Saturday under the guidance of two of Dominici’s team-mates in the famous 1999 game, hooker Raphael Ibanez and scrum-half Fabien Galthie.
“We were in a working session this afternoon… when Bernard Laporte informed us both of this terrible news. We are in shock,” said now France coach, Ibanez.
“Christophe is above all our friend. We experienced great and beautiful emotions together, on the field but above all as a team.”
Head coach Galthie was visibly moved as he promised France would “pay tribute” to Dominici at the game against Italy.
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