Bernard Lapasset was 75 years old. President of the FFR from 1991 to 2008, he also chaired the International Rugby Federation between 2008 and 2016.
The former president of the French Rugby Federation (FFR) Bernard Lapasset died on the evening of Tuesday May 2 at the age of 75, the sports management of Radio France learned on Wednesday 3 from concordant sources. The Tarbais has devoted his entire life to sport and rugby, of which he was an emblematic leader. He was in turn leader of the FFR from 1991 to 2008, then of the International Rugby Board (IRB), the international federation (now World Rugby), before co-chairing the bid committee from 2015. for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, in partnership with Tony Estanguet.
It was first in rugby that this former senior customs official, heir to Albert Ferrasse, left his mark. Bernard Lapasset is at the origin of the professionalization of rugby in France. A major shift undertaken in 1995 that he led under jeers and insults. Next will come Marcoussis, the creation of the national center for French teams, then the first World Cup organized in France, in 2007. And if in a little over a year, we will be able to follow rugby 7s matches at the Olympic Games , it will still be because Bernard Lapasset, a fine strategist, fought for the discipline to make a comeback there.
“A huge loss”
Tony Estanguet pays tribute to Bernard Lapasset on Twitter and describes “a huge loss”greeting a “exceptional sports leader”. “Epicurean, altruistic and benevolent, I appreciate how lucky I was to grow up alongside him”, is moved by the president of the Organizing Committee for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The Minister of Sports, Amélie Oudéa-Castera, greets on Twitter “a great lover of sport and one of its best ambassadors”.
In a press release, the French Rugby Federation says “saddened” by the death of its former president. It highlights the impact “undeniable” what did Bernard Lapasset have “on the development and promotion of rugby in France and around the world”. The instance says “deeply grateful for everything [qu’il] accomplished for rugby. (…) We are committed to perpetuating his legacy and continuing his mission to advance rugby in France and around the world.”she promises.
Bernard Laporte pays tribute to him
The FFR also mentions the obtaining by the body of the “Rugby World Cup in 2007 in France” under the chairmanship of Bernard Lapasset. “As president of World Rugby, Bernard Lapasset also played a major role in the transition from rugby to professionalism in 1995, a pivotal moment which allowed rugby to shift into modernity”welcomes the Federation.
“The legacy of [Bernard Lapasset] will be eternal”, also supports on Twitter the ex-president of the FFR Bernard Laporte. He thanks the former leader “for everything [qu’il] did” and describes a “great man for rugby”.