Jean-Pierre Rives

Infobox Rugby biography
name = Jean-Pierre Rives


caption =
birthname =
nickname = "Casque d'or " (Golden Helmet)
dateofbirth =
birthyear = 1952
birthmonth = 12
birthday = 31
placeofbirth = Toulouse, France
dateofdeath =
placeofdeath =
height = convert|1.78|m|ftin|abbr=on
weight = convert|85|kg|stlb|abbr=on
ru_position = Flanker
ru_nationalteam = France
ru_nationalyears = 1975-1984
ru_nationalcaps = 59
ru_nationalpoints = (20)
ru_ntupdate = 5 March 2007
ru_amateuryears =1967-1972 1972-1974 1974-1981 1981-1986
ru_amateurclubs =TOEC Stade Beaumontois Stade Toulousain Racing Club de France
ru_amupdate =5 March 2007
other = yes
occupation = Sculptor
family =
spouse =
children =
relatives =
school =
university =

Jean-Pierre Rives (born 31 December 1952) is a French former rugby union player who won 59 caps for France as a flanker. Although considered too small by some for the position, Rives displayed tremendous courage and flair, epitomising the spirit of French rugby. After retiring from the sport, Rives turned his attention to art and is currently an internationally renowned sculptor based in Paris.

Born in Toulouse, Rives played club rugby for TOEC, Beaumont and Stade Toulousain, then in 1981 he left Toulouse to join Racing Club de France. During his rugby career, Rives was dubbed the "Casque d'or" (French for "Golden helmet") due to his long blond hair. It was his hair, along with his bravery, which also brought him the nickname Asterix.

Rives represented France at schools, junior, university and B-level before graduating to the senior side. He captained France in 34 games, a world record at the time, and played in the teams which completed the Grand Slam in the (then) Five Nations Championship in 1977 and 1981. Rives also captained the first French side to beat the All Blacks in New Zealand and was elected France's Player of the Year in 1977, 1979 and 1981.

He was influential in France's bid to host the 2007 Rugby World Cup, and played a part in the trophy presentation following the tournament's final - [http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml?view=DETAILS&grid=A1YourView&xml=/sport/2007/10/21/srbate121.xml] .