The former France rugby union wing Christophe Dominici has died at the age of 48, reports The Guardian.
The news was announced by Stade Français, for whom he played for 11 years, while he was capped 65 times.
“It is with immense sadness and heartbreak that Stade Français Paris learn of the [death] of Christophe Dominici,” a statement on stade.fr read. “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.”
Dominici played for his hometown team of Toulon from 1993 and his performances on the wing earned a move to Stade Français four years later. He helped the Parisian side win five French championships and he was one of the big stars of the 1999 Rugby World Cup, particularly in France’s semi-final victory over New Zealand, when he scored a memorable try.