Biography
Jean-Luc Joinel, born on September 21, 1953, in Saint-Vincent-de-Cosse, Dordogne, France, is a renowned French rugby union player. Standing at 1.95 meters and weighing 103 kg, Joinel was known for his prowess as a flanker and center. His exceptional ability as a line-out jumper made him a crucial player for both his club and the French national team.
Teams and Playing Years
- CA Sarlat: Early career, exact years unspecified.
- CA Brive: 1973–1988
International Caps
Jean-Luc Joinel was capped 51 times for the French national team between 1977 and 1987. He played in various significant matches, contributing to the team’s successes in the Five Nations Championship and the Rugby World Cup.
Significant Moments in His Sporting Career
- Joining CA Brive (1973): Initially joined during a tour in South Africa, but due to administrative issues, he officially started playing in 1974. In 1975, he was a finalist in the French Championship.
- First International Cap (1977): Debuted against the All Blacks, marking the beginning of a prolific international career.
- Five Nations Championship: Played in multiple editions, achieving significant victories and securing titles, including the Grand Slam in 1981.
- Barbarians Matches:
- May 1, 1980: Played against Scotland in the inaugural match for the French Barbarians.
- May 15, 1981: Participated in the victory over Crawshay’s at Clermont-Ferrand.
- May 10, 1986: Faced Scotland again, securing another win.
- November 11, 1986: Played against New Zealand in La Rochelle.
- May 22, 1988: Last match for the Barbarians against Ireland, celebrating Jean-Pierre Elissalde’s jubilee.
- 1987 Rugby World Cup: Played a crucial role in France’s journey to the final, where they finished as runners-up.
- Vice-President of CA Brive (2011): Briefly served as vice-president before stepping down due to disagreements with the board. Later returned as an advisor in 2017.
Palmarès
- Club Achievements:
- French Championship Finalist (1975): With CA Brive.
- French Cup Semi-finalist (1985): With CA Brive.
- National Team Achievements:
- Rugby World Cup Finalist (1987): Contributed to France’s successful campaign.
- Five Nations Championships:
- Grand Slam (1981): Did not participate in the 1987 Grand Slam.
- Champions (Ex æquo) (1983, 1986): Key player in securing the titles.
- International Tours: Participated in tours to South Africa (1975, 1980), New Zealand (1979, 1984, 1986), Argentina, and Australia (1986).
- Mediterranean Games: Competed in 1979 and 1983.
Jean-Luc Joinel’s career is marked by his exceptional skill, dedication, and contributions to French rugby. His legacy continues to inspire future generations of rugby players.