French winger Christophe Dominici dead at 48

Desperately sad, such an exciting player to watch in his time.

Very sad news. Only 48.

Sad to see a relatively young man pass away, You probably remember him from the 1999 RWC FRA vs NZ.
Amazing talent and speed.
RIP.

Multiple news outlets are reporting that Christophe Dominici, the former French winger who was part of the legendary team that defeated the All Blacks in the 1999 World Cup semifinal has died tragically in Paris.

The Irish Times is carrying a statement issued by his former club, simply stating that he passed away.

French outlets such as the sports daily L'Equipe are reporting more fully on the tragic aspects of the case. Apparently he had been suffering from depression for some time.

Dominici was a star of the French team in the 1990s/2000s. In that semifinal he played a blinder, scoring one try and making another for his team mate Lamaison. France came back from a near impossible deficit early in the second half to blow the All Blacks away with an unrelenting series of attacks and a determination to take whatever points were on offer quickly. Lamaison dropped a couple of goals and scored a few penalties before Dominici put them in front with a brilliant opportunist try.

They then cemented their lead with two more tries, leaving the All Blacks utterly shell shocked and demoralised.

Another less flattering episode for which he might be remembered was his mistake in a 6N game (against Italy I think) when he ran through unopposed to score a simple try but then dropped the ball under the posts with the nearest defender still at the 22m line (if memory serves) His pout of disgust, which was comically replayed several times in slow motion by the delighted TV producer was memorable indeed.

A terrific player, in the traditional flamboyant style of classic French backs which seemed to go out of favour for a while but which mercifully seems to be coming back into vogue now. I can think of no greater tribute if that French Flair were to re-emerge as a force in world rugby.

RIP mon brave.

CJhaughey wrote: »

Sad to see a relatively young man pass away, You probably remember him from the 1999 RWC FRA vs NZ.
Amazing talent and speed.
RIP.

Probably?

Still haunts my nightmares

RIP

Tragic and so desperately sad. RIP Christophe. Feel so much for his family.

errlloyd wrote: »

I think it is worth saying he died to suicide. This month especially. When Dan Vickerman died in Australia it made us all try harder. Check in on your mates, take care of yourself. Feel free to hit me up with a pm if you're feeling low on the news.

And think twice before you post. Some posters get on your nerves. But try to remain civil (speaking to myself here too).

https://twitter.com/pauleddison/status/1331289635121721346?s=19

https://twitter.com/rugbyworldcup/status/1331301324919627780?s=19

Burkie1203 wrote: »

An incredible image really


https://twitter.com/FFLose/status/1331252024827146246?s=19

An incredible image, but, also a poignant image as both greats of the game are no longer with us. Both gone long before their time.

CMcsporty wrote: »

Had to watch that ’99 game again.

NZ 24 v France 10 after 46 min
24v13 47min - Lamaison takes a Drop Goal!!
24v16 49 min - Then another Drop Goal! (pen advantage)

24v19 51 min - Pen on the 10m line from a scrum

24v22 55 min - Pen on the 10m line

& then on 56’ That classic Dominici try
From an old traditional box kick by Galthie, Dominici races on to it and gathers it on the bounce one handed.

3 of France’s 4 tries were scored from kicks
Check out his break for the 1st try.
https://youtu.be/MppBGj-0QRM?t=1724

RIP Dominici

& thanks for reminding me that rugby was just as good and probably better in ‘99 than it is 21 years later.

Don't forget the final proved to be a bit of a damp squid.

glasso wrote: »

https://memes.yarn.co/yarn-clip/b2fb91af-f828-407c-a25a-743518964cd4

Bonus marks if you know what a squib is.