Philippe Sella

Philippe Sella (born 14 February 1962, in Tonneins) started life as a rugby league junior in his home town before switching to rugby union. As a former French rugby union player, he held the record for most international appearances until beaten by Jason Leonard. He became a member of the International Rugby Hall of Fame in 1999,[1] and the IRB Hall of Fame in 2008.[2]

Philippe Sella
Sella in 2007
Date of birth (1962-02-14) 14 February 1962
Place of birthTonneins, France
Height1.80 m (5 ft 11 in)
Weight84 kg (13 st 3 lb)
Occupation(s)Physical Education teacher, then marketing businessman
Rugby union career
Position(s) Centre
Amateur team(s)
Years Team Apps (Points)
1982–1995 Agen ()
Senior career
Years Team Apps (Points)
1996–1998 Saracens 14 (10)
National team(s)
Years Team Apps (Points)
1982–1995 France 111 (125)

Sella joined Saracens in 1996 from French side Agen. He and Australian Michael Lynagh were the catalysts for Saracens as they made the transition into the professional era, and Sella's presence helped other players make up their minds about joining the up-and-coming club.

He made a then world record 111 appearances (or caps) for France, and is one of only five players to have scored a try in every game during a Five Nations season.[1]

Sella was the linchpin in the midfield where he operated alongside stalwart Steve Ravenscroft. His experience, pace and vision helped Saracens to become a potent force in 1998 and his appetite for defence was amazing.

He scored the opening try in the Tetley's Bitter Cup final in the same year, a trademark Sella finish. He showed pace, power and vision to run, swivel and crash over the line with his try then signalling the way for the floodgates to open.

He retired from rugby union later that year at the age of 36 and returned to France with his family.

Notes and references
  1. "1999 Hall of Fame Inductees: Philippe Sella". International Rugby Hall of Fame. Archived from the original on 2012-09-12. Retrieved 2008-11-24.
  2. "IRB Hall of Fame Welcomes Five Inductees". International Rugby Board. 2008-11-23. Archived from the original on 2009-02-23. Retrieved 2008-11-23.
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