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How the rugby world reacted to the tragic death of Christophe Dominici
By Liam Heagney
The world of rugby has united in paying tribute to Christophe Dominici, the France great who passed away on Tuesday in Paris at the age of 48. French media reports stated that he had climbed on to the roof of an abandoned park building before jumping and falling to his death.
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The winner of 67 caps between 1998 and 2007, Dominici was one of the try-scoring France stars who shocked the world when Les Bleus knocked out the All Blacks at the semi-final stage of the 1999 World Cup, while he was also present when the French eliminated New Zealand eight years later in the quarter-finals.
In a sport where professionalism increasingly put a premium on bigger, heavier players, Dominici’s Test career defied logic as he was only 5ft 8ins and weighed 82kgs. However, he played for France for more than nine years and scored 25 tries.
His reputation as a much loved, stylish player prompted a huge outpouring of sorrow on social media after news of his untimely passing emerged. World Rugby tweeted: “A legend of @FranceRugby and an all-time great of the game. Rest In Peace, Christophe Dominici.”
The All Blacks also paid their respects: “Small in stature but a titan on the field, Christophe Dominici we will never forget you. Rest In peace, dear friend.”
Heartbreaking news from Paris ? https://t.co/2QRJ554Nsq
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) November 24, 2020
Dan Carter, the All Blacks out-half at that 2007 World Cup where New Zealand were beaten by the French in Cardiff, added: “The epitome of French flair. RIP Dominici.”
Dominici first emerged on the scene in France at Toulon but it was at the multi trophy-winning Stade Francais where his reputation as a stylish finisher was sealed. He was recently involved in an attempt by a group of Middle East investors to take over Pro D2 club Beziers, a project that was ultimately unsuccessful.
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Small in stature but a titan on the field, Christophe Dominici we will never forget you.
Rest In Peace dear friend. ??? https://t.co/Ix7orU1jDi
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) November 24, 2020
A legend of @FranceRugby and an all-time great of the game ??
Rest In Peace, Christophe Dominici ? pic.twitter.com/ByVRkoA2mt
— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) November 24, 2020
? Après la disparition de Christophe Dominici, @FGalthie et @ibanez_raphael ont partagé leur tristesse et ont rappelé tout le respect qu'ils ont pour leur ancien coéquipier du #XVdeFrance.
Samedi, nous tâcherons de lui rendre hommage ? pic.twitter.com/2plxN2IWjd
— France Rugby (@FranceRugby) November 24, 2020
The epitome of french flair. RIP Dominici pic.twitter.com/xely27iUZo
— Dan Carter (@DanCarter) November 24, 2020
All of our thoughts are with the family and friends of Christophe Dominici at this incredibly sad time.
A @FranceRugby legend. Rest in peace Christophe. pic.twitter.com/KXfxLaBg3h
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) November 24, 2020
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.
— Brian O'Driscoll (@BrianODriscoll) November 24, 2020
Very sad to hear of the death of Christophe Dominici. He was a magical player who epitomised everything that was good about ?French back play. Thoughts are with his family & French rugby family. RIP Christophe https://t.co/yCaS3umcI4
— Craig Minto Chalmers (@Chick_Chalmers) November 24, 2020
Everyone in Irish Rugby is thinking of our friends in @FranceRugby following the desperately sad news of Christophe Dominici's passing.
We're thinking particularly of Christophe's family, friends and former team-mates at this sad time. May he rest in peace. ?? pic.twitter.com/AiCMTqurm9
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) November 24, 2020
An unforgettable @FranceRugby moment ??
Christophe Dominici was instrumental in France’s 43–31 win v New Zealand in the Rugby World Cup 1999 semi-final.
He will live long in the hearts of rugby fans around the world.
Rest In Peace, Christophe Dominici ? pic.twitter.com/08omKFcMbq
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) November 24, 2020
Deeply saddened to hear of Christophe Dominici's passing. He was a star of 1999 @rugbyworldcup scoring a brilliant try in that thrilling semi-final & you had the feeling that something special would happen every time he took to the field. My condolances are with his family
— Sir Bill Beaumont (@BillBeaumont) November 24, 2020
Scottish Rugby is sad to hear of the untimely passing of @FranceRugby international winger Christophe Dominici. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and the French rugby family at this time #AuldAlliance ?? https://t.co/PFtpWP7Kba
— Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) November 24, 2020
Had the privilege of playing against the @FranceRugby legend Christophe Dominici on many occasions. Such sad news to hear of his passing! ? Thoughts and prayers with his family and friends. RIP ??? pic.twitter.com/3heMfhkwtk
— Jason Robinson (@Jason15Robinson) November 24, 2020
Domi mon frère. Toi le génie du rugby français, toi le feu-follet qui déroutait les géants, toi l’homme passionné, tu nous a fait en ce jour funeste, un ultime cadrage débordement.
Tu es mon ami et à jamais, je t’aimerai. Le monde du Rugby te pleure. Tu deviens notre légende. pic.twitter.com/gFErk6gRHI— Bernard Laporte (@BernardLaporte_) November 24, 2020
A @FranceRugby and @SFParisRugby legend and one of the greatest that European Rugby has ever seen ??
EPCR sends its sincere condolences to the friends, family and former team-mates of Christophe Dominici.
Rest in peace, Christophe ? pic.twitter.com/jgeE6orPyH
— Investec Champions Cup (@ChampionsCup) November 24, 2020
RIP Christophe Dominici. Forever a legend of @FranceRugby. pic.twitter.com/393jcOSMI8
— Wallabies (@wallabies) November 24, 2020
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We are deeply saddened at the news of former French international Christophe Dominici passing away.
All our thoughts are with his family, friends and all at @FranceRugby.
May he Rest In Peace. ??#Domi https://t.co/vyBne5wQoa
— Guinness Men's Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) November 24, 2020
Adieu, Christophe Dominici ??
Chwaraewr gwefreiddiol. What a player. pic.twitter.com/92TC4BYhiA
— Welsh Rugby Union ??????? (@WelshRugbyUnion) November 24, 2020
Christophe Dominici, French legend (1972-2020). Rest in peace. ?? pic.twitter.com/41q7sw16jZ
— RugbyPass+ (@RugbyPassPlus) November 24, 2020
? C’est avec une immense tristesse et un profond déchirement que le Stade Français Paris a appris la disparition de Christophe Dominici.
Génie du rugby et compagnon hors pair, il laisse un grand vide dans notre grande famille. Nos pensées vont à sa compagne et à ses filles. ?
— Stade Français Paris (@SFParisRugby) November 24, 2020
Reports have emerged in France of Dominici's passing on Tuesday, although the causes are yet unknown. pic.twitter.com/VDlc0R1hKS
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) November 24, 2020
Very sad to hear of the passing of Christophe Dominici, a wonderful player over the years who lit up the pitch when he got the ball. Tragic news and it shows that we should all check on each other from time to time as you never quite know what some people are going through
— Andy Goode (@AndyGoode10) November 24, 2020
Really sad to hear Christophe Dominici has passed away, one of the best ever. Had some great nights out together after he’d taught me a lesson on the pitch #RIP
— Austin Healey (@IamAustinHealey) November 24, 2020
?? Very sad news from France – RIP Christophe Dominici, one of the best of his generation and a tragic loss for the rugby family. Condolences to his loved ones. https://t.co/toSor0MSeP
— Springboks (@Springboks) November 24, 2020
Christophe Dominici dies suddenly at the age of 48. French rugby 'in mourning over his tragic death.' Who will ever forget his inspiring part in the greatest World Cup come-back of all time, Twickenham 1999. France, 10-24 down at half-time, winning 43-31. https://t.co/QiFn4fRDNQ
— Peter Jackson (@JackoRugby) November 24, 2020
Très très touché par cette terrible et triste nouvelle de "mon frère de jeu" Christophe Dominici, dit Domi.
Une inspiration et une âme de guerrier. Je suis très triste.
RIP #Dominici pic.twitter.com/b9TXWPtuM1
— Serge Betsen (@SBetsen) November 24, 2020
? "?'??? ?? ?????? !"
À la suite d'un coup de pied par dessus de @FGalthie, @christophedomi profite d'un rebond favorable et s'en va inscrire le 3e essai du #XVdeFrance dans cette 1/2 finale historique de la #RWC1999 contre les @AllBlacks #UnJourUnEssai pic.twitter.com/yOmbzsx4zN
— France Rugby (@FranceRugby) June 16, 2020
