From the moment he first played for France against Romania and Argentina in 1982, no one was in any doubt that a new star had arrived. Many centres move out to the wing for more space to weave their magic patterns, exploit their pace against unsuspecting defences and grab glorious tries by the bagful. Sella did the opposite. Six of his first seven games were on the wing. Then he moved inside, and the weaving patterns continued, the breaks were made and the tries multiplied - three in the 1984 Five Nations matches and a full house of one a game two years later.

Great midfield partnerships were formed in the true French style : first with Didier Codorniou, then Denis Charvet, Marc Andrieu, Franck Mesnel, and Thierry Lacroix. The common factor to them all was Philippe Sella, a supreme athlete whose strong hips, classic passing, deadly running and water-tight defence proved the ideal foil to partners of different qualities. France won or shared six Five Nations championships during these years and every northern summer included tours to the other side of the world where others could admire the maturing skills of the best centre of his generation.

Greatest Moment

Scored a try in each of the Five Nations Championship matches in 1986, a feat only achieved by P. Esteve, H.C Catcheside and A.C Wallace, and since by G Townsend.

Interesting Facts

He worked as a PE teacher.

Career Status

1982-1995

Test Caps
Test Points
Test tries
Penalties
Conversions
Drop Goals