Guy Laporte, former opener of the XV of France, died
The Tarn and tricolor rugby family has just lost a hell of a good man. Guy Laporte, the former opener of SC Graulhet and the XV of France died on the night of Friday to Saturday in Toulouse, at the age of 69. Victim of a heart attack. He was transported to Rangeuil hospital in critical condition, before dying in the evening.
Tricolor rugby loses a great man there. A prolific scorer with an easy trigger, he stood out above all for his ease in taking penalties, and especially drops, his trademark. Trained in Rieumes before moving to Graulhet, following the advice of former Haut-Garonne residents like André Abadie, where he remained throughout his career (1972-1988).
With Sporting, he notably experienced a moment of apotheosis during the round of 16 of the French championship against Agen, in April 1973. Match during which he put, in the last ten minutes, the SCG in the lead by passing a penalty of the 55 meters in a corner, in a part where the Graulhétois had finished at 13 against the formidable SUA.
Despite a semi-final in the French championship in 1986, Guy Laporte was never able to experience the joy of a title with his club, of which he became co-president three years ago.
Also read: MAINTENANCE. Guy Laporte: "That day, the All-Blacks, they won nothing!" When the former opener of the XV of France shared his memories
Grand Slam in 81
His trophy cabinet did not remain empty for too long, however, since he was one of the great players in the Grand Slam of 1981, with Jean-Pierre Rives and others. The Irish still remember his two drops. In 16 selections with the Blues, he also won the V Nations Tournament in 1986 – joint victory with Scotland -, and participated in the first Rugby World Cup in history, in New Zealand in 1987, after which the tricolors lost in the final against the All Blacks (9-29).
After his career, he enjoyed success as manager of the France team and tour director, notably being part of the 1994 series in New Zealand, that of the test at the end of the world. It is, still to this day, the last French team to have won all the test matches in the land of the long white cloud.
Read also: REACTIONS. Death of Guy Laporte: "An individualist at ease in a collective sport" testify his relatives
Stupor and sadness
In Graulhet, this morning, disbelief, followed by pain and great sadness are the first feelings at the announcement of the death of Guy Laporte. This legendary rugby player, a man of loyalty and commitment, Guy has forever marked the city of leather. In 1972, he was recruited by Sporting Club Graulhétois, the region's flagship club. for the quality and power of his kicking game. He will only leave the crampons in 1988 after 206 league games played, 1793 points scored.
During these years, he qualified his team, all seasons, for the final stages. "Rugby is my passion, it's my life," he said very recently during an interview in our newspaper. When he retired, he immediately launched his brand of Graulhétois leather clothing. He also engaged in politics for a decade. In 1989, candidate for mayor of Graulhet, he was beaten by 15 votes by Claude Bousquet. He has always followed the life of his heart club. First behind the scenes, then taking the presidency. Since his professional retirement, he has been at the club every day to solve problems, missing no training to motivate his troops and no game to be able to give an informed opinion on the performance of his foals.
In a press release, Sporting Club Graulhétois expressed its astonishment and infinite sadness: "Much more than a President, always worried about his protégés, Guy was a real dad for his players. A great gentleman has just left us and join the pantheon of ovality".
La Dépêche du Midi offers its sincere condolences to his family and loved ones.
