Lucien Mias

Lucien Mias (Known as "Docteur Pack")

["rugby player", "physician", "French rugby captain"]

Born Sep 28, 1930

Saint-Germain-de-Calberte, France

Passed Away May 13, 2024 Mazamet, France

Lifespan 93 years old

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Notice / Correction

"In rugby as in medicine, the heart and brain must govern the muscle."

Archival Overview

French rugby union lock and medical doctor nicknamed 'Docteur Pack', captained France to a mythic 1958 series victory over the Springboks in South Africa.

Biographical Record

Dr. Lucien Mias (1930–2024), celebrated across world rugby as Docteur Pack, was an intellectual and ferocious lock forward who revolutionized French team culture. In 1958, Mias took over the captaincy of an injury-depleted French team touring apartheid South Africa.

Applying rigorous psychological motivation and tactical lineout discipline, Mias led France to a stunning 9–5 Test victory over the Springboks in Johannesburg, winning the series 1–0—the first time in the 20th century that South Africa lost a home Test series. He followed by captaining France to its first outright Five Nations title in 1959.

Key Life Milestones

August 16, 1958

Historic Series Triumph in South Africa

Captained France to an immortal 9-5 win over the Springboks at Ellis Park, winning the series 1-0 in an epic upset.

April 18, 1959

First Outright Five Nations Title

Led France to win the Five Nations Championship outright for the first time, capping his legendary rugby career.

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Rest in Peace Forever remembered and cherished Your legacy lives on in all of us With deep gratitude for your life and light

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Final Resting Place

Perpetual Memorial

Cimetière de Mazamet
Mazamet, France

                         GPS: 43.4917, 2.3750                    

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