Jean-Pierre
Rives

Jean-Pierre Rives was a talismanic French flanker who represented and led his country with distinction.

Jean-Pierre Rives Bio

Jean-Pierre Rives was a world-class flanker who represented Les Bleus more than 50 times and captained his country on 34 occasions. Thought of as a cult figure in France, fans around the world loved his ultra-committed style of play. Jean-Pierre Rives was inducted into the RugbyPass Hall of Fame in 2021.

Even though he was encouraged to play tennis and excelled at athletics during his youth, Jean-Pierre Rives ultimately decided to play rugby. Although he was initially considered too small to be a flanker, he quickly proved his doubters wrong.

His playing career began in 1967, when he started to represent TOEC during his early teens. He then stayed with the club until 1972, when he joined Stade Beaumontois.

Following his stint with Stade Beaumontois, Jean-Pierre Rives was given the chance to join his hometown club of Toulouse. He immediately impressed, and after only a year with the side, he was handed his debut for France at the age of 22. After several successful years, Jean-Pierre Rives then left Toulouse in 1981 and finished his career with Racing Club de France, who he represented until 1986.

Between 1975 and 1984, Jean-Pierre Rives was a giant of French rugby and reached the very top of the game. As well as appearing 59 times for his country and captaining them on 34 occasions, he also won multiple Five Nations Grand Slam titles. Due to his wild blonde hair and his bravery, he became known affectionately as Asterix. Across the world, he was regarded as a legend, an icon and a blood-stained hero.

Since retiring from rugby in 1986, Jean-Pierre Rives has focused on his art, which has been a passion since childhood. He now exhibits regularly at public venues around the world.