It is a monument in the history of French rugby that is leaving. Benoît Dauga, former player of Stade Mons but above all former executive of the Blues died at the age of 80, we learned from a family source. “Le Grand Ferré” had contributed to the first Grand Slam of the Blues in 1968.
The world of rugby is in mourning. Former French rugby player Benoît Dauga, a major player in the first French Grand Slam in 1968, died Thursday at the age of 80, we learned from a source close to his family. .
In an interview published by the daily South Westhis ex-teammate Jo Maso said he was “upset” by the announcement of his death.
An imposing number 8
“He was a close friend, I loved Benoît. An admirable man of kindness and sincerity. A huge player with whom I have come a long way,” added the former three-quarter center of the XV de France who rubbed shoulders with him in selection.
Nicknamed the Grand Ferré, in reference to the Picard peasant endowed with prodigious strength who had been a hero of the Hundred Years War against the English, Benoît Dauga had 63 selections with the Blues, including nine as captain.
Second line or imposing number 8 (1.95 m with an exceptional wingspan for the time), the native of Montgaillard (Landes) won the Five Nations Tournament three times.
Dauga remained loyal to Stade Montois throughout his career, whether as a player in the 1960s alongside three other internationals, brothers and centers Guy and André Boniface and winger Christian Darrouy, or as a manager when he took over the presidency. of the yellow and black club from 2003 to 2006.