Serge Blanco is a former French and Biarritz Olympique rugby union player. Blanco was a versatile player who could play at fullback or wing. Blanco played his whole career at french club Biarritz in a spell that lasted 18 years between 1974-92.
He made his international debut in 1980 against a strong South African side, although France lost the match, they had unleashed their next rugby union legend on to the big stage. Blanco scored the match winning try in the 1987 World Cup semi-final, France won the match against hosts Australia 28-24 to reach the final.
Blanco was a part of a very successful French side which saw them win Grand Slams in the 1981 and 1987 Five Nations. He captained the side in the 1991 World Cup campaign, France reached the quarter-finals and Blanco was a key member of the squad. After the tournament, Blanco announced his retirement from rugby and has since become a very successful businessman. Blanco retired as the most-capped French player of all-time and the highest try scorer for France. In 2011, Blanco was inducted into the IRB Hall of Fame, a truly, well-deserved achievement for one of France’s all-time greatest rugby union players.
Since retiring he has opened 3 hotels and his own brand of sportswear, he became president of Biarritz Olympique and watched them become French champions in 2002 and 2006. Blanco has a humourous and witty personality, he has been very successful as a rugby player but also as a businessman, making him the perfect rugby speaker for your upcoming event. As an after dinner rugby speaker, Blanco often discusses his career; he also talks about his success as a businessman, the importance of leadership and peak performance, as well as maximising success.
