Andre Boniface was the silkiest of French centres whose international career stretched over 13 seasons. Nine of his caps were as a wing but he much preferred the midfield role where his change of pace and perfectly-timed passing was put to deadly effect and he become renowned as a creator of tries. He was the prince of attackers with his natural inclination to look for scoring opportunities from any part of the pitch - he once said, ‘If defence is my primary role I would have given up the game long ago’ - and in this he had the perfect foil for club and country in his younger brother, Guy. Unfortunately, Guy was tragically killed in a motor accident in December 1967 at the age of 30. Andre had started out as the wonder boy of French rugby; in his final season of international rugby in 1966 he was still going like an express train when he scored a last-minute try against England that established what was then a record win over the old enemy.

Greatest Moment

In only his second international the 19-year-old Andre shared in France’s first-ever win over New Zealand in 1954.

Interesting Facts

Andre and Guy Boniface played together in 18 tests for France and also toured New Zealand and Australia with the Tricolours in 1961.

Career Status

1954-1966

Test Caps
Test Points
Test tries
Penalties
Conversions
Drop Goals