Racing 92, a renowned rugby club based in the suburbs of Paris, France, has a storied history filled with exceptional players who have graced the rugby field with their skill, dedication, and passion. From powerful forwards to dazzling backs, these Racing 92 legends have left an indelible mark on the sport. In this article, we’ll delve into the careers of the 10 best Racing 92 rugby players of all time, exploring their career stats, physical attributes, best career moments, and what made them truly special.
1. Dan Carter (Fly-half)
Career Stats: Dan Carter, the legendary fly-half, joined Racing 92 in 2015 and made an immediate impact. He played a crucial role in the team’s successes, including winning the Top 14 title in 2016.
Physical Stats: Carter stood at 6 feet (1.83 meters) and weighed around 14 stone (89 kilograms). His tactical brilliance, precise kicking, and composure under pressure set him apart.
Best Career Moment: Carter’s best career moment at Racing 92 was undoubtedly guiding the team to their first Top 14 title in 26 years, showcasing his playmaking and goal-kicking prowess.
What Made Him Special: Carter’s ability to control the game, orchestrate attacking plays, and kick accurately from any position made him one of the greatest fly-halves in rugby history.
2. Dimitri Szarzewski (Hooker)
Career Stats: Dimitri Szarzewski, an exceptional hooker, represented Racing 92 from 2002 to 2019, making 195 appearances for the club. He was a stalwart in the team’s front row.
Physical Stats: Szarzewski stood at 5 feet 11 inches (1.80 meters) and weighed around 16 stone (102 kilograms). His accuracy in the lineout, scrummaging skills, and work rate made him a key figure.
Best Career Moment: Szarzewski’s best career moment came in 2016 when he lifted the Top 14 trophy as captain, symbolizing his leadership and contributions to the club.
What Made Him Special: Szarzewski’s precision in the set piece, durability, and ability to lead the pack made him an invaluable hooker for Racing 92.
3. Juan Imhoff (Wing)
Career Stats: Juan Imhoff, an electrifying winger, played for Racing 92 from 2011 to 2020, amassing 137 appearances and scoring numerous tries. He was known for his speed and agility.
Physical Stats: Imhoff stood at 6 feet (1.83 meters) and weighed around 13 stone (82 kilograms). His pace, finishing ability, and elusiveness made him a constant threat.
Best Career Moment: Imhoff’s best career moment came in 2016 when he played a pivotal role in Racing 92’s Top 14 title win, showcasing his try-scoring ability.
What Made Him Special: Imhoff’s ability to beat defenders, finish try-scoring opportunities, and excel in open play made him a dynamic winger for Racing 92.
4. Patrice Collazo (Prop)
Career Stats: Patrice Collazo, a formidable prop, represented Racing 92 from 2001 to 2008, making 144 appearances. He was a cornerstone of the team’s scrum.
Physical Stats: Collazo stood at 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 meters) and weighed around 18 stone (114 kilograms). His scrummaging technique, work rate, and physicality were his trademarks.
Best Career Moment: Collazo’s best career moment came in 2001 when he helped Racing 92 secure the Top 16 title, showcasing his scrummaging dominance.
What Made Him Special: Collazo’s scrummaging prowess, work ethic, and ability to anchor the front row made him a respected figure in the club’s history.
5. Maxime Machenaud (Scrum-half)
Career Stats: Maxime Machenaud, a versatile scrum-half, has been a Racing 92 mainstay since 2011, amassing over 200 appearances. He is known for his quick delivery and goal-kicking.
Physical Stats: Machenaud stands at 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 meters) and weighs around 13 stone (82 kilograms). His agility, tactical awareness, and goal-kicking accuracy make him a complete scrum-half.
Best Career Moment: Machenaud’s best career moment came in 2016 when he played a vital role in Racing 92’s Top 14 title win, showcasing his leadership and scrum-half skills.
What Made Him Special: Machenaud’s ability to control the tempo, create scoring opportunities, and excel in the kicking game makes him a reliable scrum-half for Racing 92.
6. Olivier Merle (Lock)
Career Stats: Olivier Merle, a towering lock, represented Racing 92 from 1996 to 2002, making 169 appearances. He was a dominant force in the team’s second row.
Physical Stats: Merle stood at 6 feet 7 inches (2.01 meters) and weighed around 19 stone (120 kilograms). His size, lineout expertise, and physicality made him a formidable lock.
Best Career Moment: Merle’s best career moment came in 2001 when he led Racing 92 to their first Top 16 title, showcasing his leadership and set-piece skills.
What Made Him Special: Merle’s lineout dominance, physical presence, and leadership qualities made him a standout lock for Racing 92.
7. Sireli Bobo (Wing)
Career Stats: Sireli Bobo, a Fijian winger, played for Racing 92 from 2004 to 2012, making 153 appearances and scoring numerous tries. He was known for his speed and power.
Physical Stats: Bobo stood at 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 meters) and weighed around 15 stone (95 kilograms). His size, acceleration, and try-scoring ability made him a fan favorite.
Best Career Moment: Bobo’s best career moment came when he played a pivotal role in Racing 92’s Top 14 title win in 2009, showcasing his try-scoring prowess.
What Made Him Special: Bobo’s ability to break tackles, finish scoring opportunities, and provide a physical presence on the wing made him a memorable figure.
8. François Steyn (Centre/Fly-half)
Career Stats: François Steyn, a versatile back, joined Racing 92 in 2009 and made a significant impact during his tenure. He played a key role in the team’s Top 14 triumph in 2016.
Physical Stats: Steyn stood at 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 meters) and weighed around 16 stone (102 kilograms). His versatility, powerful kicking, and strong defense set him apart.
Best Career Moment: Steyn’s best career moment at Racing 92 was guiding the team to their first Top 14 title in 26 years, showcasing his all-around skills.
What Made Him Special: Steyn’s ability to play multiple positions, boot the ball deep into enemy territory, and provide a physical presence in midfield made him an invaluable asset.
9. André Boniface (Centre)
Career Stats: André Boniface, a legendary French center, played for Racing 92 in the 1950s and 1960s, leaving an indelible mark on the club. He was known for his creativity and flair.
Physical Stats: Boniface stood at 5 feet 11 inches (1.80 meters) and weighed around 13 stone (82 kilograms). His agility, sidestep, and rugby intelligence made him a visionary center.
Best Career Moment: Boniface’s best career moment came when he helped Racing 92 secure their first French championship in 1959, showcasing his playmaking abilities.
What Made Him Special: Boniface’s innovative style of play, ability to read the game, and skillful passing made him a pioneer of French rugby.
10. Jean-Pierre Rives (Flanker)
Career Stats: Jean-Pierre Rives, an iconic French flanker, played for Racing 92 in the 1970s and 1980s. He was known for his fearless approach to the game and leadership.
Physical Stats: Rives stood at 6 feet (1.83 meters) and weighed around 14 stone (89 kilograms). His tenacity, work rate, and ability to inspire his teammates set him apart.
Best Career Moment: Rives’s best career moment came when he led Racing 92 to their second French championship in 1987, symbolizing his leadership and commitment.
What Made Him Special: Rives’s fearless tackling, ability to win turnovers, and unwavering dedication to the club and country made him an enduring legend.
Conclusion: Racing 92’s Rugby Icons
These 10 Racing 92 rugby players have not only made their mark on the club but have also significantly contributed to the sport’s legacy. Their remarkable careers, physical attributes, and unforgettable moments on the field have solidified their places as some of the greatest rugby players in the history of Racing 92. As rugby enthusiasts, we can only look back with admiration and gratitude for the enduring legacy they have created for the club and the sport as a whole.