Former Max Brito, an Ivory Coast rugby player who was paralysed during a World Cup match in 27 years prior, passed away at the age of 54, know his cause of death
The ex-winger suffered an injury in the third minute of Ivory Coast’s group match against Tonga in South Africa on June 3, 1995, leaving him paralysed from the neck down. He had already played in games against Scotland and France during the same World Cup before this one.
Ivory Coast Rugby Player Max Brito Cause Of Death, Injury, Age, Family, Career Stats, News
The story and plight of Max Brito have stayed with me every since his tragic accident at the 1995 RWC. I was a sub editor on that match. It was horrific. He died today. Sometimes people u never know leave their mark. https://t.co/0FBhclpcQT
— Ryle Nugent (@ryle_nugent) December 20, 2022
Official statement from World Rugby
“World Rugby is heartbroken to learn of the passing of former Ivory Coast international Max Brito,” read a statement from the organisation. Together with the rest of the world’s rugby community, we send our deepest sympathies to the man’s family, close friends, former teammates, and coworkers.
Early life and career-ending injury
Brito was five years old when his family relocated to Biscarrosse in France. He was born on April 8, 1968, in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. When he was chosen to represent the Ivory Coast at the Rugby World Cup 1995 in South Africa, he was competing as a winger for the Biscarrosse Olympique club.
Sadly, during their third pool-stage match against Tonga, he sustained a life-altering injury. Since 1995, several people, including Marcel Martin, Bernard Lapasset, and the Federation Francaise de Rugby, have worked hard to ensure support for Brito, and ever since, he has played a significant role at Rugby World Cups.
Brito continued to be active in the game he adored, and his legacy and enthusiasm for rugby will live on through the Max Brito Academy, which was established by the Federation Ivoirienne de Rugby to educate and motivate young people to play rugby in the Ivory Coast.
Statement from Brito’s family
A statement from Brito’s family was also made public and posted on the Biscarrosse Olympique website. It said: “Max Brito passed away on Monday, December 19, at 6:30 p.m., according to the Brito family, which also includes his sons Mike and Anthony.”
The Biscarrosse Olympique club, which has consistently been present over the years, as well as all the people who have consistently shown their love and support, whether they were nearby or far away, are profoundly appreciated by the family.