He spent his entire career in the Landes, in Dax then in Mont-de-Marsan. He also wore the tunic of the XV of France on 48 occasions, during which he scored 11 tries. André Boniface, former iconic three-quarter center of French rugby, died this Monday morning, at the age of 89.
In the memories, will remain the image of an elegant attacker, symbol of French flair and spectacle. His career is inseparable from that of his brother Guy, with whom he played at Stade Montois, but also in the French team. In Blue, the two boys were associated 17 times between 1960 and 1966. Guy’s death at the age of 30 in a road accident, on January 1, 1968, left him orphaned by his (beautiful) game friend.
A legend of the XV of France
In 1963, the Boniface brothers were French champions together, under the Mont-de-Marsan jersey. André also won the Tournament (of the Five Nations at the time) four times, in 1954, 1955, 1959 and 1962.
After the death of his brother Guy, he decided to become the coach of Stade Monois in 1969. The philosophy of his team suited him: focused on attack and passing. He resigned in 1972, then returned a few years later, from 1977 to 1984.
