Jean-Pierre Garuet and Philippe Dintrans, the world's best front row

Jean-Pierre Garuet, the Lourdes native known as "the professor," and Philippe Dintrans, the Tarbes native known as "the Lorrain," are pioneers of the French rugby saga. These two giants of rugby are true legends, separated by a few valleys in the Hautes-Pyrénées. The Lourdes native and the Tarbes native, through their friendship, forged one of the best front rows in the world, if not the best. Jean-Pierre, with his 42 caps, was one of the main architects of the success of the 1987 World Cup. His rigor in the scrum, his fighting spirit, and his ruggedness still make him one of the most feared players in the world. Gentle as a lamb off the field, he transformed into a ferocious beast, especially when the opponent was reputed to be tougher or better... He never faltered. Crowned twice as the best tighthead prop in the world, he remains a living legend. Philippe, on the other hand, is an extraordinary hooker, dynamic and tough, who succeeded the most illustrious of captains, Jean-Pierre Rives. Philippe gave many opponents a hard time and etched his name in the minds of the French thanks to his sense of sacrifice and his unconditional love for the French jersey. They honored us by dedicating a few pieces that trace their history and their friendship.