Serge Blanco

As of July 1, 1992 National October 19, 1991

Serge Blanco ( born August 31, 1958 in Caracas, Venezuela ) is a former French rugby union player who played at the position of the circuit 's external or three quarters. With its attractive and fast game, he coined the style of the French national team and is still one of the most popular players in the European rugby. Even after his retirement, he remained the sport through his office as President of the Association Ligue Nationale de Rugby, which organizes the league operating in Blanco's home country faithful.

Playing career

Blanco was born in Venezuela, the home of his father, but grew up in the French city of Biarritz. In 1974 he joined the club Biarritz Olympique resident and remained loyal to him until his career end. He was, however, not permitted to win a national title. In his final season, although the team reached the final, but lost the RC Toulon at 14:19.

1980 Blanco was the first time for the French national team as they met South Africa. He was also invited seven years later in the squad than the French to the first World Cup. In the semifinals, Blanco decided the game against Australia by an attempt shortly before the end of the game, which went to France with 30:24. In the finals they defeated the hosts from New Zealand. The successful performance of the team and excellence Blancos during the tournament are among the highlights of his career.

Ahead of the World Cup France had won twice, in 1981 and 1987, the Grand Slam in the Five Nations. At the 1991 World Cup Blanco was the captain of the national team and led them to the quarter finals, where they retired to England. This was also the last international match for Serge Blanco. In a total of 93 games for France he scored 38 attempts, as much as yet has not reached another Frenchman.

Blanco was known for his extraordinary attack from his own half that made him famous and provided an attractive game the whole team. Although he was smoking, he was one of the fastest players of his time. The New Zealander Christian Cullen is one of the few assets that can play a similar manner. 1997 Blanco was inducted into the International Rugby Hall of Fame.

Official career

On his career, he took over the presidency in his home club Biarritz. Under his leadership, the club was in 2002 and 2006 French champion. Subsequently, he was appointed President of the Ligue Nationale de Rugby ( LNR ), but was still employed in administrative work at Biarritz. In June 2008 he announced his resignation as president of LNR. The reason he stated that he needed more time for his company and for new tasks. Blanco has three hotels and its own sportswear brand.

In March 2009, Blanco suffered a heart attack and had to undergo an operation. It was used to protect the arteries against a reocclusion stent.