Former France rugby international Christophe Dominici has died suddenly, aged 48.
Dominici was found dead on Tuesday in Parc de Saint-Cloud in the Hauts-de-Seine region near Paris.
His former club Stade Francais confirmed the tragic news after reports started circulating on social media.
“It is with immense sadness and deep heartbreak that Stade Francais Paris learns of the death of Christophe Dominici,” a statement from the Top 14 club read.
“During the 11 years spent under our colours, Christophe will have, thanks to his incredible talent and his class, greatly contributed to writing the history of the club.
“An international 67 times, his exploits in the blue jersey will 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 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 club of Toulon from 1993 to 1997 before moving to Paris to join Stade, where he became a true great of French rugby history. The move helped him to break onto the international stage, with the wing scoring 25 tries in 67 appearances before his final appearance in 2008.
He featured in the famous victory over the All Blacks at the 1999 Rugby World Cup where he scored a try to help seal a stunning upset victory, helping France to the final where they came up agonisingly short against Australia.
The French Rugby Federation (FFR) paid tribute to Dominici, who was often referred to as ‘Domi’ among his teammates, and said that it was a shock for the entire game.
The French national team Twitter account said: “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.”
World Rugby posted a tribute of their own on their Twitter page, which read: “A legend of France Rugby and an all-time great of the game. Rest In Peace, Christophe Dominici.”
A number of French rugby clubs also expressed their condolences. Colomiers Rugby said: “French rugby is in mourning... The whole club extends its deepest condolences to Christophe's family and friends.
Castres added: “Saddened by the sudden death of Christophe Dominici, the whole of Castres Olympique sends its sincere condolences to his family and loved ones. (He) played for Toulon and Stade Francais, and he will leave an indelible mark in the history of French rugby.”
