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Record breaking international rugby star headlines in Paris

August 3, 2009

Record breaking international rugby star headlines at Paris Conference.

The International Office is very pleased to announce that our member in France, Exco, have secured retired International rugby player, Philippe Sella, to be guest speaker at the Kreston European conference in Paris in September. During the conference, delegates and their companions will also have the pleasure of dining at Philippe’s renowned restaurant, Sydr.

Philippe, who retired in 1995, was the worlds most capped player, mesmerising and destroying defences the world over with 111 appearences spanning over a 13 year career.   Philippe’s debut for France came as a winger against Romania in 1982 and he was famously described by the former France coach Jacques Fouroux as having ” the strength of a bull but the touch of a piano player”, a description entirely fitting for such a uniquely talented man.

During Philippe’s career, France won or shared six Five Nations titles and played in three successive World Cups between 1987 and 1995. In 1987, Philippe’s side were beaten finalists, before England ended their run in the 1991 semi-final. Philippe bowed out following his 111th cap in the third place play-off for the 1995 tournament.   Philippe has remained active following his retirement from rugby, opening his own marketing and communications company, appearing as a pundit for French TV channel Canal+ and also serves as president for the charity “L’enfrants del’Ovale”, a sporting and educational charity for underprivileged children.