Abdel Benazzi

Abdel Benazzi was born on August 20, 1968, in Oujda, Morocco. He began his rugby career in his home country, taking up the sport at the age of 14. His talent quickly led him to play for the Moroccan national team in 1990. Soon after, he moved to France, where his career progressed rapidly, and he began representing the French national team later that same year. Throughout his playing career, Benazzi was known for his physicality and direct style of play, making significant contributions as a lock or back row forward.

Benazzi achieved considerable success during his international career with France, earning 78 caps and scoring 9 tries. He participated in three Rugby World Cups: 1991, 1995, and 1999. A notable achievement was being a member of the French team that reached the 1999 Rugby World Cup final, following a memorable victory over New Zealand. He also secured two Grand Slam titles with France and captained the team in the 1997 Five Nations Championship. His club career included stints with Cahors (1988–1989), SU Agen (1989–2001), and finally Saracens in England (2001–2003) before retiring in 2003 at the age of 35.

Following his playing career, Benazzi transitioned into rugby administration, taking on roles such as Vice-President of the French Rugby Union (FFR). He has been a vocal advocate for the global development of rugby, emphasizing the need for new markets and increased revenue streams to ensure the sport’s long-term viability. As of 2024, he is running to lead World Rugby, highlighting his commitment to addressing the financial challenges faced by rugby federations worldwide and exploring new partnerships for growth.