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It was tough times for the ABs at the Rugby World Cup in Cardiff. The alleged 'forward' pass by a Frenchman led to a try - and New Zealand headed homewards.

GACHASSIN, JEAN
Lourdes and France
32 internationals for France 1961–69

Physically one of the smallest players to ever appear regularly in international rugby, Gachassin was also a brilliant exponent of the best running skills of back play. He appeared for his country in four backline positions: first as a wing in 1961 and later as a fullback, centre and flyhalf.

Gachassin was only 1.62 metres tall (5 ft 4 ins), and weighed 63 kilograms (9 stone 12lbs). One journalist listed the following nicknames for Gachassin at one or another time in his career: the ‘Pocket Wing’, ‘Peter Pan’, the ‘Mighty Atom’, or the ‘Bagnères Flea’. Nevertheless, he was one of the most popular figures in French rugby in the 1960s.

His popularity has continued in the sport of tennis where he has been the President of French Tennis Federation for a number of years and is regularly seen sitting courtside at Roland Garros when the famous French Open tournament in played.

Tiaan Strauss