French rugby is in mourning after the sudden death of one of the nation's promising youngsters.
Earlier this week Franck Lascassies passed away at the age of 21. The cause of death is yet to be officially confirmed.
The former prop spent time in the development systems of both Bayonne and Pau. Both clubs have paid tribute and the funeral was held on Friday.
Bayonne tweeted: “It is with great sadness that we learned of the death of Franck Lascassies, 21, who went through the categories at Bayonne before leaving for Pau. The club offers its sincere condolences to the whole family and loved ones of Franck.”
Pau added: “The club learned with immense sadness the death of Franck Lascassies, a training centre player from 2017 to 2019. In this terrible ordeal, the club joins the pain of the family and those close to them.”
Lascassies also represented France through their age grade system.
France Rugby tweeted: “We learned with immense sadness of the death of Franck Lascassies, a former player of our teams of #FranceJeunes at the age of 21. Our condolences to his family and loved ones.”
World Rugby vice-president Bernard Laporte said: “I’m saddened to learn of the death of Franck Lascassies, a player of the France U20 development team. With his team, he also won the European U18 title. Franck was full of talent. My condolences to his family and loved ones.”
