Vincent Frédière, born in Lyon, France, died tragically following an accident late on Christmas Eve. Despite her grief, his mother, Josette, shared a bittersweet smile in an interview with Le Progrès: “He was a clown to the end.” His brother, Laurent, added, “I would like to tell him that he made us laugh until his last joke.” The family had spent a joyous Christmas together before the heartbreaking moment of Vincent’s passing.
Born on March 29, 1974, in L’Arbresle, Vincent grew up in Lyon and then Chassieu. In the 1980s, while attending school in Trévoux, he met Gérard Tanzilli, who became a key mentor and introduced him to rugby. “He changed his life,” Laurent remarked. Vincent played rugby at a high level, starting with the juniors of Lou, where he made lifelong friends.
He then joined Rugby Club Toulonnais as a junior player, serving as understudy to professional scrum-half Aubin Hueber, and played in several European Cup matches with Bourgoin-Jallieu. His rugby career also included stints at Oyonnax, Arras, and CSV Villefranche-sur-Saône. After his active playing career, Vincent remained dedicated to the sport, working with clubs to secure sponsorships. “Rugby was his passion, and he passed it on to his son, Noah, 14,” shared Laurent. Vincent was also a loving father to Manon, 15, and Lilou, 19. For the past six years, he has been Charlotte Thinnes’ partner and stepfather to her three daughters: Agathe, Louise and Zoé.
