Rugby – René Hourquet, former Lannemezan player and ex-head of referees, has passed away
René Hourquet passed away on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, at the age of 82.
A native of Castres, Hourquet had a distinguished career as an international referee, starting on December 21, 1980, during the Spain-Italy match. His career took him to various global venues, including two Rugby World Cups (1987 and 1991), the 1983 French Championship final, five matches of the Five Nations Tournament, and many other international games like the British and Irish Lions tour in Australia (1989).
In 1988, he officiated the French Championship final between Stado and Agen as an assistant referee before stepping in as the central referee due to an injury.
After retiring from the field, Hourquet was appointed by Bernard Lapasset in 1992 and served as the president of the FFR’s central refereeing committee for 17 years. He retired in 2009, passing the whistle to his successor Didier Méné.
Hourquet was also the treasurer of the FFR from 2000 to 2012 and was involved in controversies related to a ticket scandal, although he acknowledged some mismanagement but maintained his good faith.
He was known for his generosity and dedication to rugby, receiving the FFR gold medal in 2016 and being honored with the National Order of Merit and made a Knight of the Legion of Honor.
