Former French rugby international Christophe Dominici, whose dazzling runs made him one of the country’s best wingers, has died aged 48.

His former club Stade Français confirmed his death, saying it did so with “immense sadness”.

“A rugby genius and companion without equal, he will leave a great void in our big family. Our thoughts go to his family, his wife Loretta, and his daughters Chiara and Mia.”

Dominici won 67 caps for France between 1998 and 2007, scoring a memorable try in France’s stunning 43-31 victory against New Zealand in the 1999 World Cup.

He started his club career at RC La Valette in 1991 before joining Toulon in 1993 and Stade Français in 1997, ending his career there 11 years later.

He won five French national titles with Stade Français and four Six Nations titles with Les Bleus, including two grand slams in 1998 and 2004.

“So much sadness. Christophe Dominici was an immense player, an artist, a funambulist [tightrope walker]. His sudden death is a shock,” France’s sports minister Roxana Mărăcineanu said.

An emotional-sounding Education Minister Jean-Michel Blanquer announced his death at the National Assembly in Paris, prompting politicians to immediately stand and applaud the beloved former player.

Teammates and opponents alike shared their memories of Dominici and sadness at the news, with England’s World Cup-winning flyhalf Jonny Wilkinson, Ireland great Brian O’Driscoll and South Africa star winger Bryan Habana among those who paid tribute to the try-scoring winger.

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“I’m devastated. With his crappy physique, he beat all the best defences in the world. It really sucks to lose him at 48,” his former France and Stade Français teammate Sylvain Marconnet said.

Former teammate Frédéric Michalak, who played in two World Cups with Dominici, spoke about the huge influence he had on young internationals breaking through.

“He was a bit like our big brother. He had a strong character while being sensitive at the same time,” Michalak told L’Equipe.

“He was always there for us, reassuring us. I shared many good times with him.”

Michalak, who burst onto the scene as a mercurial scrumhalf at the 2003 World Cup, remembered how Dominici brought the squad together at the 2007 World Cup after Les Bleus had lost the opening game 17-12 at home to Argentina.

“He organised a night out to get us back on the right track. He was our engine in 2007, he was a leader of men,” Michalak said.

“He had exceptional qualities as a player, you could see in his eyes how determined he was.”

Wires



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