A minute’s silence will be held ahead of France vs Italy in memory of Christophe Dominici

A minute’s silence will be held ahead of France’s clash against Italy at Stade de France on Saturday in memory of 1999 World Cup star Christophe Dominici who died yesterday at the age of 48

  • Ex-France rugby player Christophe Dominici died on Tuesday at the age of 48
  • His former club Stade Francais confirmed the news in a statement yesterday
  • French players will wear shirts with ‘Domi’ inscribed on one sleeve on Saturday
  • It is among a number of tributes in memory of 1999 World Cup star Dominici  

A minute’s silence will be held in memory of Christophe Dominici, who tragically passed away on Tuesday at the age of 48, ahead of France’s Autumn Nations Cup game against Italy at the Stade de France on Saturday. 

Dominici, who earned 67 caps for Les Bleus and played a starring role in the 1999 World Cup side which reached the final, was confirmed dead by former club Stade Francais yesterday. 

The French players will also wear a unique sleeve which will have only the word ‘Domi’ inscribed on one sleeve. 

A minute’s silence will be held at the Stade de France on Saturday in memory of Christophe Dominici, who died on Tuesday at the age of 48

Ex-France rugby player Dominici's tragic death was confirmed by former club Stade Francais

Ex-France rugby player Dominici’s tragic death was confirmed by former club Stade Francais 

A huge banner in tribute to Dominici will also be unveiled inside the stadium. 

According to the BBC, a witness saw him climb onto the roof of a disused building at Parc de Saint-Cloud, near Paris, on Tuesday before falling.  

‘It is with immense sadness that the Stade Francis learns of the death of Christophe Dominici,’ Stade Francais said in a statement.

‘He left his mark on a whole generation of rugby,’ the French Rugby Federation said. ‘Today the rugby family has brutally lost a legend, an emblematic player.’ 

Dominici made 67 appearances for France before retiring after the 2007 World Cup

Dominici made 67 appearances for France before retiring after the 2007 World Cup

Former France and Stade Francais winger Christophe Dominici has died aged 48

Former France and Stade Francais winger Christophe Dominici has died aged 48

Dominici scored a stunning try in that semi-final victory over a Jonah Lomu-inspired New Zealand, a game widely recognised as the greatest in the history of the Rugby World Cup.

Les Bleus had slipped 24-10 behind at Twickenham before launching an incredible comeback, adding 33 points to just seven conceded to claim an astonishing 44-31 victory.

But they were blown away 35-12 by the Wallabies in the final at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium.

Dominici races over the line as he scores his famous try against the All Blacks in 1999

Dominici races over the line as he scores his famous try against the All Blacks in 1999

Dominici also represented his country at both the 2003 and 2007 World Cups. He gained notoriety after earning a yellow card for a cynical trip on Jason Robinson during the semi-final against England in Sydney in 2003.

He won four Six Nations titles with Les Bleus, including two grand slams in 1998 and 2004. 

He called a halt to his international career after defeat by Argentina in the Bronze medal match at the 2007 tournament, held in France. 

Dominici fends off Welsh tackles during a Six Nations clash at the Stade de France in 2007

Dominici fends off Welsh tackles during a Six Nations clash at the Stade de France in 2007

Irish legend Brian O’Driscoll tweeted his disbelief at the sudden passing of Dominici, writing: ‘Very sad to hear of the sudden passing of Christophe Dominici. 

‘A French player full of flair with huge success throughout his career. May he RIP.’ 

World Rugby also posted a tribute to Dominici on Twitter, which read: ‘A legend of France Rugby and an all-time great of the game. Rest In Peace, Christophe Dominici.’  

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