- Philippe Sella
Infobox Rugby biography
name = Philippe Sella
caption =
birthname =
nickname =
dateofbirth = birth date and age|df=yes|1962|2|14
placeofbirth =Tonneins ,France
dateofdeath =
placeofdeath =
height = height|m=1.80
weight = convert|84|kg|stlb|abbr=on
ru_position = Rugbycentre|capital=yes
ru_amateuryears = 1982-1995
ru_amateurclubs = Agen
ru_amclubcaps =
ru_amclubpoints =
ru_amupdate =2007-06-28
ru_nationalteam = France
ru_nationalyears = 1982-1995
ru_nationalcaps = 111
ru_nationalpoints = (125)
ru_ntupdate =2007-06-28
ru_clubyears = 1996-1998
ru_proclubs = Saracens
ru_clubcaps = 14
ru_clubpoints = (10)
ru_clubupdate =2007-06-28
other = yes
occupation = Physical Education teacher, then marketing businessman
family =
spouse =
children =
relatives =
school =
university =Philippe Sella (born 14 February 1962 in
Tonneins ) is a French former rugby union player, who until recently held the record for most international appearances in that sport. Philippe joined Saracens in 1996 from French side Agen. He and AustralianMichael Lynagh were the catalysts for Saracens as they made the transition into the professional era, and Sella's presence helped other players make up their minds about joining the up-and-coming club.Sella made a world record 111 appearances (or caps) for France, a record only beaten by a few players, first
Jason Leonard , then current record-holderGeorge Gregan , and most recently by Sella's countrymanFabien Pelous , and is one of the few players to have scored a try in every game during a Five Nations season.Philippe was the linchpin in the midfield where he operated alongside stalwart
Steve Ravenscroft . His experience, pace and vision helped Saracens to become a potent force in 1998 and his appetite for defence was amazing.Philippe scored the opening try in the Tetley’s Bitter Cup final in the same year, a trademark Sella finish. He showed pace, power and vision to run, swivel and crash over the line with his try then signalling the way for the floodgates to open.
He retired from rugby union later that year at the age of 36 and returned to France with his family.
External links
*cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/international/2372751.stm |title=Taking the bull by the horns |publisher=bbc.co.uk |accessdate=2007-06-28 |date=
2002-12-02 |last=Majendie |first=Matt
*cite web| url=http://www.nobok.co.uk/page/RugbyProfile/0,,10301~1759,00.html |title=Philippe Sella - Simply the best |publisher=nobok.co.uk |accessdate=2007-06-28 |date=
*cite web| url=http://www.zurichchampionship.com/players/player_detail.phtml/zp/ENG?_name1=FSE2 |title=Player Profile: Philippe Sella |publisher=zurichchampionship.com |accessdate=2007-06-28 |date=
*cite web| url=http://www.rugbyhalloffame.com/pages/sella1999.htm |title=Philippe Sella |publisher=rugbyhalloffame.com |accessdate=2007-06-28 |date=
*cite web| url=http://www.irb.com/EN/IRB+TV/Total+Rugby+TV/061120+SL+TV86.htm |title=Total Rugby TV: Show 86 |publisher=irb.com |accessdate=2007-06-28 |date=2006-11-20 Persondata
NAME=Philippe Sella
ALTERNATIVE NAMES=
SHORT DESCRIPTION=French Rugby union footballer.
DATE OF BIRTH=14 February 1962
PLACE OF BIRTH=Tonneins , France
DATE OF DEATH=
PLACE OF DEATH=
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.