Abdelatif Benazzi (Arabic: عبد اللطيف بن عزي; born 20 August 1968) is a French-Moroccan rugby union player who represented both Morocco and France.[1] He played as a lock or back row forward.

Abdelatif Benazzi
Date of birth (1968-08-20) 20 August 1968 (age 55)
Place of birthOujda, Morocco
Height1.97 m (6 ft 5+12 in)
Weight112 kg (17 st 9 lb)
Rugby union career
Position(s) Number eight
Amateur team(s)
Years Team Apps (Points)
- Warringah Rugby Club ()
Senior career
Years Team Apps (Points)

2001–2003
Agen
Saracens
()
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)

1990–2001
 Morocco
 France

78

(45)

Abdel Benazzi started out with his homeland Morocco, but his ability was quickly spotted by France's selectors.[1] He won his first France cap in 1990 against Australia and went on to make 78 appearances and score nine tries for Les Bleus.[2] He played in three World Cups and was a member of the France team that reached the 1999 Rugby World Cup final. He was twice a Grand Slam winner and led Les Bleus in the 1997 tournament. His last international appearance was on 7 April 2001 against England.[2]

He finished his club career with Saracens in England, retiring in 2003 ahead of his 35th birthday.

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ a b Bath, Richard (ed.) The Complete Book of Rugby (Seven Oaks Ltd, 1997 ISBN 1-86200-013-1) p. 71
  2. ^ a b "Abdelatif Benazzi".

External links edit