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Christophe Dominici played 67 tests and scored 25 tries for France, with his most famous score at the 1999 World Cup when Les Bleus rallied at Twickenham to beat the All Blacks in the semi-final.
Last Updated: 11/24/20 8:37 pm
Christophe Dominici participated in three World Cups in France
Former France and Stade Francais winger Christophe Dominici has died at 48, his former club said on Tuesday.
Dominici was capped 67 times for France between 1998-2007, and scored 25 attempts for Les Bleus.
The news was announced by Stade Francais, who said: “It is with immense sadness and anguish that Stade Francais Paris learns of the death of Christophe Dominici.
“During the 11 years that he spent with our colors, Christophe, thanks to his incredible talent and class, contributed greatly to writing the legend of the club.
Christophe Dominici scored a try in France’s sensational victory against the All Blacks in the 1999 Rugby World Cup semi-final
“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.
“A rugby genius and an incomparable partner, he leaves a great void in our great family. Our hearts go out to his family, his partner Loretta, his daughters Chiara and Mia.”
Dominici played for his hometown team of Toulon since 1993 and his wing performances there earned him a transfer to the Stade Francais four years later.
He helped the Parisian team win five French championships while being one of the big stars of the 1999 Rugby World Cup, particularly in France’s semi-final victory over New Zealand.
Deeply saddened to learn of Christophe Dominici’s passing. He was a star of 1999 @rugbyworldcup scoring a brilliant try in that thrilling semi-final and you had a feeling that something special would happen every time he took the field. My condolences to his family
– Sir Bill Beaumont (@BillBeaumont) November 24, 2020
France Rugby tweeted: “The great French rugby family mourns 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: “It is very sad to hear the sudden passing of Christophe Dominici. A stylish French player with great success throughout his career. Hopefully be RIP “.
Greenwood: Dominici was adored by fans
Will Greenwood, who played Dominici in the French star’s international debut in Paris in 1998, said he was a player adored by fans and lit up the rugby world.
“He played the baseline with Stephane Glas [and] Franck Comba, and they knew the magic of his hands and spatial awareness, “Greenwood said.” Such a special footballer.
1:22 Christophe Dominici was a “special” player adored by rugby fans around the world, says Will Greenwood.
“His fans loved him. They used to make a schedule for the Stade Francais and he was always the number one man.”
“Everyone knew him. He lit up the world of rugby.”
Of the 25 he scored, Dominici’s most famous try for Les Bleus came in the 1999 World Cup semi-final against the All Blacks at Twickenham.
New Zealand, which had players like Jonah Lomu and Christian Cullen on their squad that day, were firm favorites to win and with 24-10 ahead, they seemed to be game over.
However, the Frenchman bounced back with 33 unanswered points, including a try by Dominici that put his team in the lead before finishing 43-31 winners to reserve a place in the final.
Christophe Dominici scored 25 tries in 67 tests for France
“I was in front of Tana Umaga that day and Jonah Lomu, they are huge men. Christophe was a tiny guy,” Greenwood said.
“At 24-22, Dominici takes the ball and scores. They went on to win by a bit more, but he scored the try that knocked out one of the best teams ever played.
“That All Blacks team was nailed to win the World Cup in 1999, and just like the French can only do, at halftime they were down and out … just get out, case will be and bam!
“I implore all the children; If you want to know what Dominici was all about, look at those 40 minutes of rugby in that semi-final, it will make the hair stand on the neck.
“He contributed to that French team and the Stade Francais team for so, so long. It is very sad to hear this news.”
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