Tony Estanguet, Amélie Oudéa-Castera, Bernard Laporte ... Tributes follow one another on social networks after the death this Tuesday around 10 p.m. of Bernard Lapasset (75), former president of the FFR and the IRB, who has become more later and under his orders World Rugby.
This Wednesday morning, the French Rugby Federation also published a press release to pay tribute to the man who, among other things, led rugby towards the path of professionalization.
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Bernard Lapasset has devoted his life to rugby, both as a player, coach, manager and as an ambassador.
Its impact on the development and promotion of rugby in France and around the world is undeniable
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"Perpetuating his legacy"
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Bernard Lapasset also worked tirelessly for Paris' bid for the 2024 Olympic Games, a bid which was ultimately accepted by the IOC.
He also played a key role in bringing rugby sevens to the Olympic Games, an event that helped popularize rugby in new countries and to new audiences
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Thanks to him, France had notably hosted the Rugby World Cup in 2007 and women's and men's sevens rugby had returned to the program of the Olympic Games, 92 years later.
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In his honour, the French Rugby Federation will work to perpetuate his legacy and pursue its mission to advance rugby, in France and around the world.
The rugby community is united in its sadness and gratitude towards Bernard Lapasset,
” concluded the FFR.