Christophe Dominici: Rugby world comes together to pay tribute to former France star, dead at 48
The winger played 67 times for Les Bleus in a glittering career with club and country
![Dominici was considered one of the finest wingers of his generation](https://static.independent.co.uk/2020/11/24/16/PRI173653100.jpg)
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Former French international rugby player Christophe Dominici has died, it has been announced.
The winger played 67 times for Les Bleus in a glittering career with club and country.
Former club Stade Francais confirmed the tragic news on Tuesday afternoon.
"It is with immense sadness that the Stade Francais learns of the death of Christophe Dominici," they said in a statement.
Tributes have poured in for the 48-year old with the French national team saying "the French rugby family are in mourning" at the news.
“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,” a post on social media read.
World Rugby posted a tribute to him on their Twitter page, which read: “A legend of France Rugby and an all-time great of the game. Rest In Peace, Christophe Dominici.”
Colomiers Rugby added: "French rugby is in mourning... The whole club extends its deepest condolences to Christophe's #Dominici family and family
Fellow French club Castres said Dominici will leave “an indelible mark” on the sport in his home country.
“Saddened by the sudden death of Christophe Dominici, the whole of Castres Olympique sends its sincere condolences to his family and loved ones,” they added.
“(He) played for Toulon and Stade Francais, and he will leave an indelible mark in the history of French rugby.”
The Rugby Players Association added: “Terribly sad news to hear of the passing of Christophe Dominici. A true legend of the game, RIP.”
Dominici played for France between 1998 and 2007, scoring a memorable try in France's stunning 43-31 victory against New Zealand in the 1999 World Cup.
He started his club career at RC La Valette in 1991 before joining Toulon in 1993 and Stade Francais in 1997 until he ended his career 11 years later.
He won five French national titles with Stade Francais and four Six Nations titles with Les Bleus, including two grand slams in 1998 and 2004.
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