Former France winger Christophe Dominici dies aged 48

France rugby legend Christophe Dominici has died at the age of 48, according to his former club Stade Francais.

The news was announced by Stade Francais, who said: "It is with vast sadness and heartbreak that Stade Francais Paris learn of the death of Christophe Dominici".

France's rugby federation said it was "in mourning after the tragic death of our wing Christophe Dominici".

He had a deceptive change of pace and a shimmy that could lose and confuse defenders.

His greatest moment, arguably, came in the 1999 World Cup semi-final against New Zealand when his second-half try, skating down the left touchline, sparked a remarkable comeback from the French who went on to seal their place in the final.

His try put the French ahead for the first time as they overturned a 14-point deficit to reach the final.

Brian O'Driscoll added: "Very sad to hear of the sudden passing of Christophe Dominici".

"It is with enormous sadness that Stade Francais learns of the death of Christophe Dominici", said his former club in a statement.

"A rugby genius and peerless companion, he leaves a great void in our big family".

Dominici, a huge fan-favourite across the globe famous for his entertaining brand of rugby, played for France 67 times and scored 25 tries for his country in a storied career.

After he retired in 2008, the then-national coach Bernard Laporte gave him a coaching role.

In his 2007 autobiography, Dominici admitted he had suffered severe bouts of depression following a personal loss and that he had been abused as a child.