The French Rugby Federation announced on Saturday the death of referee Charles Bonfanti at the age of 54, while leading the Regional 1 reserve final between Verfeil (Haute-Garonne) and Val XV (Ariège) which took place in La Salvetat-Saint-Gilles (Haute-Garonne). “Mr. Bonfanti was an experienced and respected referee in the rugby community. Despite the rapid intervention of the emergency services and the first aid measures provided, Charles Bonfanti could not be saved and died of cardiac arrest in the field. Following this tragic event, the final was interrupted”, explained the FFR in a press release.
“It is a tragedy that affects us all deeply. Charles was a passionate man, dedicated to refereeing and rugby. He will be greatly missed. We are wholeheartedly with his family and loved ones in these difficult times, ”said Alexandre Martinez, the acting president of the FFR.
For his part, Franck Maciello, National Technical Director of Refereeing, added that “the disappearance of Charles is a huge loss for the world of refereeing and for rugby in general. He was a role model for many of us. We will honor his memory and continue to work with the same passion and commitment he has always shown.”