"The French rugby family has just lost a great gentleman in the person of Guy Laporte. Brilliant opening half of the XV of France and great president of the Graulhet club, Guy Laporte marked his time with his talent. All my condolences to his family and loved ones," tweeted Bernard Laporte, president of the French Rugby Federation.

"The family of Sporting Club Graulhetois is plunged into sadness following the sudden disappearance of its president Guy Laporte, who died last night", announced for its part on its site the Tarn club, which plays in Federal 1 ( 4th division).

"Guy, who arrived at the SCG in 1972 as a player, contributed to the very good results during his stay," added the club.

Guy Laporte, who spent almost his entire playing career at Graulhet (1972-1988) then in the first division, wore the jersey of the XV of France from 1981 to 1987. He won the Grand Slam in the Five Nations Tournament in 1981, notably alongside Jean-Pierre Rives and Serge Blanco.

Known for his skill on the foot and his mastery of the drop (he scored eight in just sixteen selections with the Blues), he also won the Tournament in 1986 and then ended his international career after the first Rugby World Cup in 1987, won by New Zealand over France (29-9).

Lining of Franck Mesnel at the post of N.10, Guy Laporte had not participated in the final.

He was also manager of the XV of France from 1993 to 1995.

Guy Laporte on March 5, 1981 in Rueil-Malmaison Dominique FAGET AFP / Archives

In a tweet, Laurent Labit, the coach of the attack of the XV of France, greeted "a man who marked (his) youth".

"An idol in the jerseys of Graulhet and the XV of France. All my condolences, with a strong thought for the family and the club of Sporting Club Graulhetois", he wrote.

© 2022 AFP