Christophe Dominici: “A rugby genius and peerless companion”
(Picture: AFP via Getty Images)French rugby legend Christophe Dominici has died at the age of 48.
Dominici’s former club Stade Francais announced on Tuesday that the French star, who was capped 65 times between 1998 and 2007, had passed away.
A statement on stade.fr read: "It is with immense sadness and heartbreak that Stade Francais Paris learn of the (death) of Christophe Dominici.
"During the 11 years spent in our colours, Christophe, thanks to his incredible talent and his class, greatly contributed to writing the legend of the club.
"An international 65 times, his exploits in the blue jersey have dazzled thousands of young rugby players and allowed the French team to write some of the most beautiful pages in its history.
"Rugby genius and peerless companion, he leaves a great void in our big family. Our hearts go out to his family, his partner Loretta, his daughters Chiara and Mia."
🖤 C’est avec une immense tristesse et un profond déchirement que le Stade Français Paris a appris la disparition de Christophe Dominici.
— Stade Français Paris (@SFParisRugby) November 24, 2020
Génie du rugby et compagnon hors pair, il laisse un grand vide dans notre grande famille. Nos pensées vont à sa compagne et à ses filles. 🙏
Dominici played for his hometown team of Toulon from 1993 and his performances on the wing there earned a move to Stade Francais four years later.
He helped the Parisian side win five French championships while he was one of the big stars of the 1999 Rugby World Cup, particularly in France's semi-final victory over New Zealand.
France Rugby tweeted: "The great French rugby family is in mourning after the tragic death of our winger Christophe Dominici. We are thinking especially of his family and loved ones."
Merci Domi 🙏😢 pic.twitter.com/JZTAyLwSpE
— France Rugby (@FranceRugby) November 24, 2020
Former Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll also expressed his condolences, writing on Twitter: "Very sad to hear of the sudden passing of Christophe Dominici. A French player full of flair with huge success throughout his career. May he RIP."
Very sad to hear of the sudden passing of Christophe Dominici. A French player full of flair with huge success throughout his career. May he RIP.
— Brian O'Driscoll (@BrianODriscoll) November 24, 2020
Additional reporting by PA.
