French rugby great Christophe Dominici who helped stun All Blacks in famous wins passes away

Christophe Dominici celebrates his side's World Cup quarter-final win over the All Blacks in 2007. Photosport/Panoramic

Former French rugby winger Christophe Dominici has passed away suddenly at age 48, according to French media.

The rugby great had a brilliant career for France and club side Stade Francais including playing a pivotal role in the semifinal win over the All Blacks at the 1999 Rugby World Cup.

He was also in the French side that shocked the All Blacks in the quarter-final stage eight years later in Cardiff.

Dominici played 67 games for France, scoring 25 tries. He retired from the game in 2008 having played in three World Cups including the 1999 final defeat to Australia. He won four Six Nations titles and two grand slams with France.

His try turned the tide in the 1999 semifinal, giving France the lead after trailing 24-10 shortly after halftime. While chasing a box kick from halfback Fabien Galthie, Dominici caught the All Blacks by surprise when he perfectly judged the bounce, grabbed the ball with his right hand and tore past two defenders to score between the posts.

They went onto win 43-31 in one of the biggest shocks in the tournament's history. His death follows that of the other number 11 on the field at Twickenham in 1999 - Jonah Lomu who passed away five years ago.

Dominici would come off the bench eight years later when France upset the All Blacks at the biggest stage in rugby once again - the 20-18 win at Millennium Stadium. He retired from test rugby at the end of the 2007 tournament.

"It is with immense sadness that the Stade Francis learns of the death of Christophe Dominici," his former club said in a statement.

"A rugby genius and companion without equal, he will leave a great void in our big family. Our thoughts go to his family, his wife Loretta, and his daughters Chiara and Mia."

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

"He left his mark on a whole generation of rugby," the French Rugby Federation said. "Today the rugby family has brutally lost a legend, an emblematic player."

At club level, he won five French championships in a glittering 11-year spell with Stade Francais, having started his career with hometown club Toulon.

Tributes were widespread for Dominici, who was well-liked by fans, teammates, and opposing players alike.

"Thanks Domi for all you gave to French rugby and all the good times I spent with you," former France winger and teammate Vincent Clerc said on Twitter.

World Rugby called him "an all-time great of the game" while the English and Irish federations were quick to offer their condolences.

Jonny Wilkinson, who played club for Toulon late in his career, chose to pay his tribute on Twitter in French.

"The death of Christophe Dominici is terribly said," he wrote. "We are thinking of all of his loved ones. The whole of sport has lost a true legend."

- With AP