Rugby fans and players from all over the world were left in shock after news broke that one of France’s star rugby players had passed away. The news came as a shock as Dominici was just 48 years old and died under tragic circumstances in Paris, France at the popular Saint-Cloud park.
Christophe Dominici was not one of those towering, built-like-a-tank rugby players. He was just 82 kgs and was only 172 cms tall.
Even though he was small made, he had a great shimmy and a chance of pace that could outfox some of the best defenders in World Rugby. He would go on to represent France on 67 occasions and established himself as one of France’s top rugby players during his time.
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World rugby fans will remember him and the All Blacks will never forget him for his outstanding play in the 1999 World Cup semi-final against the All Blacks. His play literally sealed the match for France and eliminated the All Blacks.
Dominici scored a brilliant try in the second-half of this crucial game when he grabbed the ball with one hand and sped to the touch line to get France into the World Cup finals.
Dominic played for Toulon and for Stade Francais where he spent over a decade and helped them win five French Championships. Once he retired from the game, Bernard Laporte who was the head coach of the French rugby team brought him on as a coach. He would also do commentary stints.
Christophe Dominici suffered from depression which he shared through his autobiography which came out in 2007. Dominici admitted to being abused as a child and said a personal loss later in his life made it very difficult for him to cope. While there is no official confirmation on how he died, it appears that he might have taken his life.
Tributes poured in from around the world sharing and celebrating what Dominici had accomplished as a player. Brian O’Driscoll, the ex-captain of Ireland said he was saddened to hear that Dominici was no more and called him a player who was full of flair and highly successful.
France Rugby said they were in mourning over his tragic death and passed their condolences to his loved ones. Stade Francais released a statement saying he greatly contributed to the history of the club and was a class act with an incredible talent.
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