Christophe Dominici: Tributes to France rugby star found dead at 48

Christophe Dominici, the former France winger who was capped 65 times between 1998 and 2007, has been found dead. He was 48.

Christophe Dominici in action for France against Scotland during the 2006 Six Nations at Murrayfield. Picture: David Davies/PA

Reports says his body was found in a park south of Paris. His death was announced by Stade Francais, for whom he played for 11 years.

Dominici was part of the France side that reached the Rugby World Cup final in 1999 in Cardiff where they lost 35-12 to Australia.

Earlier that year he scored a try against Scotland in a thrilling match at the Stade de France which the visitors won 36-22 en route to clinching the final Five Nations Championship.

Christophe Dominici takes on Christian Cullen of New Zealand during the 1999 World Cup semi-final at Twickenham. France won 43-31. Picture: Alex Livesey/Allsport/Getty Images

The SRU paid tribute to the player in a statement which read: “Scottish Rugby is sad to hear of the untimely passing of France rugby international winger Christophe Dominici. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and the French rugby family at this time.”

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.”

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.”

Dominici played for his hometown team of Toulon from 1993 and his performances on the wing 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 World Cup, particularly in France’s semi-final victory over New Zealand.

A statement on the Stade Francais website 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.”

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