Philippe Chauvin believes the death of his son Nicolas in
France can be a catalyst for change in the game’s attitude
At first glance they could be any French family: a father and his 17-year-old son sitting together in their living room watching the Rugby
World Cup on television. So far their favourite match has been Japan’s gripping win over
Ireland, not least for the Brave Blossoms’ esprit de corps and positivity. If Philippe Chauvin’s middle son, Nicolas, had still been alive they felt he would have loved it, too.
It is almost 10 months now since Nicolas, aged 18, died while playing for Stade Français Espoirs against their counterparts from Bordeaux-Bègles. Rugby was his passion from the moment he first picked up a ball at his local club just east of
Paris in 2005. Tragically, the young flanker’s choice of sport cost him his life.