Serge Blanco

Serge Blanco (born 31 August 1958 in Caracas, Venezuela) is a former rugby union footballer who played fullback for Biarritz Olympique and France, gaining 93 caps, 81 at full back. His alternative position was winger.

Related Topics:
31 August - 1958 - Caracas - Venezuela - Rugby union - Fullback - Biarritz Olympique - France - Winger

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He was born in the Venezuelan capital Caracas but brought up in France. He famously smoked 60 cigarettes a day throughout his career.

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Blanco made his French debut against South Africa at Newlands in 8 November 1980. The French tourists lost 37-15.

Related Topics:
South Africa - 8 November - 1980

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Blanco?s elegant running style, his creativity and inventive spirit epitomised the flamboyance for which French rugby is admired. He is considered one of the greatest exponents of his country and of the international scene of the 1980s. He owes his popularity also to his fair conduct on the field.

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Sydney became the venue of his career highlight, where he scored the late and deciding try in the epic semi-final France won 30:24 in dramatic fashion against host Australia in the inaugural rugby world cup 1987 http://www.rwc2003.irb.com/NR/exeres/9439393D-557C-4C21-B762-515FCE8B4975.htm.

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Second to this achievement was winning Grand Slams with France in the Five Nations Championship in 1981 and 1987.

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Serge Blanco captained the French side in the 1991 Rugby Union World Cup before retiring after their quarter-final defeat by England on 19 October 1991. He won a total of 93 caps and a French record 38 tries.

Related Topics:
1991 Rugby Union World Cup - England - 19 October - 1991

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One unfulfilled ambition of his other than becoming world champion is failing to win the national championship with his club Biarritz Olympique, despite making a final appearance in 1992. http://www.bo-pb.com/club_historique.php. This match against Toulon was his last first class rugby union match.

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After retiring as a player, he continued serving Biarritz Olympique as their president. In this function he saw his club eventually becoming French champions in 2002 http://www.bo-pb.com/club_historique.php. He is now the president of France's national professional league, Ligue Nationale de Rugby.

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