French · Lyon, France · Born 5 October 1980French lock who started in the 2011 Rugby World Cup final and captained France, later becoming an influential vice-captain and leader of the national side's forward pack.
Born on 5 October 1980 in Lyon, France, Pascal Papé began his professional career at Bourgoin before a spell at Castres and a decade-long stint at Stade Français, where he established himself as one of the most consistent locks in French rugby. Papé earned his first France cap in 2004 and became a mainstay of the national side's second row over the following decade. His career peak came at the 2011 Rugby World Cup, where he started in the final as France narrowly lost 8-7 to New Zealand, one of the closest World Cup finals in the tournament's history. From 2012, Papé was elevated to vice-captain of France behind Thierry Dusautoir by newly appointed head coach Philippe Saint-André, and was named captain for France's 2012 tour of Argentina and that year's end-of-year internationals, cementing his position as one of the side's senior leaders. Papé retired from international rugby in 2015 having earned more than 60 caps for France across an 11-year Test career, and continued playing for Stade Français until 2017.
Starting in the closely fought 2011 Rugby World Cup final and later captaining France
How They Played
Powerful, physical lock and a strong leader in the pack
Lasting Impact
A dependable and influential lock who led France's forward pack through the early 2010s
French Athletes