Jean-Pierre Rives

Jean-Pierre Rives

Jean-Pierre Rives was born in Toulouse on 31 December 1952. He was a medical student who in later life became a notable figure in the art world. He was equally distinguished in his playing days as a dashing flanker for Toulouse and Racing Club and captained France in 34 of his 59 internationals, 25 of them in tandem with fellow flanker and Barbarian, J-C. Skrela [q.v.]. He made his Barbarians' debut against the British Isles in 1977 and went on to make six appearances, including the match against New Zealand in 1978. He was also invited to play in the fixture against Australia in 1982 but it was postponed due to heavy snowfall in Cardiff.