RIP: French Grand Slam winner dies
NEWS: Arnaldo Gruarin, a member of the France squad that secured their first ever Five Nations Grand Slam in 1968, has died aged 86 the prop’s former club Toulon announced on Wednesday.
The Italy-born forward, capped 26 times, played in two of the matches in that year’s history-making campaign, the victories over Scotland (8-6) and Ireland (16-6).
“It is with immense sadness that Rugby Club Toulon has learned of the death of Arnaldo ‘Aldo’ Gruarin, iconic former prop of the club and the French team,” Toulon said in a statement.
“Affectionately nicknamed ‘The gruche’, Aldo stamped his mark on RCT’s history in the 60’s and 70’s by his faultless engagement, his power and his love of the red and black shirt.”
Gruarin, who preferred to be addressed as ‘Aldo’ because the younger brother of Benito Mussolini the fascist dictator who ruled Italy from 1922 to 1943 was called Arnaldo, moved to France with his family after World War II.
Aside from the Grand Slam he was also a member of the France team that won the Five Nations title in 1967.
His son Jean-Louis Gruarin was also a successful rugby player and won the 1992 French title in his beloved Toulon colours.
