Career

He played as a fly-half and as a centre. The company was founded in 1987 and is named after the stadium in New Zealand where that year France lost the first rugby union World Cup final. Mesnel played for Saint-Germain-en-Laye (1980/81-1985/86) and for Racing Club de France (1986/87-1996/97).

He had 56 caps for France, from 1986 to 1995, scoring eight tries and three drop goals, 41 points in aggregate.

He also played for the English invitational team, the Barbarian F.C., alongside fellow French international Jean-Baptiste Lafond. After ending his player career, he became a sports commentator.

Achievements

• He is the founder of the French rugby and leisure clothing brand Eden Park. He won the title of the French Top 14, in 1990, and finished second in 1987. He won the Five Nations four times, first with a Grand Slam, in 1987, then in 1988, tied with Wales, 1989 and 1993. Mesnel also played in three Rugby World Cup finals, in 1987, being vice-champion, 1991 and 1995, always without scoring.