Walter Spanghero

Walter Spanghero (born 21 December 1943) is a former French rugby union footballer. His father, Ferruccio Dante Spanghero, emigrated from Friuli, arriving in France in the 1930s to make a living as a bricklayer.[1] He was a part of the French national team which won the 1968 Grand Slam in the Five Nations. He was also a part of the French side which won the Five Nations in 1967 and 1973. He played for France over 50 times. He played at number 8, lock and flanker. He famously had a very stormy relationship with his brother, Claude, who was also an international rugby player for France.

Walter Spanghero
Walter Spanghero in 1978
Date of birth (1943-12-21) December 21, 1943
Place of birthPayra-sur-l'Hers, France
Height1.87 m (6 ft 1 1⁄2 in)
Weight100 kg (220 lb)
Notable relative(s)Nicolas Spanghero
Claude Spanghero
Rugby union career
Position(s) Lock, number eight, flanker
Senior career
Years Team Apps (Points)
1961–1975
1975–1977		 Narbonne
Toulouse		 ()
National team(s)
Years Team Apps (Points)
1964–1973 France 51 (14)

Former All Black Colin Meads, considered the greatest New Zealand rugby player in history, nominated Spanghero as his toughest international opponent.[2]

References
  1. Raynal, Alain. "Walter Spanghero L'homme de la terre et du ballon ovale". humanite.fr. Retrieved 17 May 2016.
  2. Gray, Wynne (1 August 2011). "Colin Meads - Pinetree: biggest legend of them all". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 1 December 2011.


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