Jean Ciancia,a cornerstone of French rugby and a beloved figure in Castelsarrasin,has died at the age of 85,on Tuesday,January 27,2026. His passing marks the end of a glorious chapter for the “red and white” club, the CAC, where he and his brother Jacques formed a formidable third line that helped secure a French championship in the 2nd division in 1967.
A Legacy Forged on the Ovalie
the brothers Ciancia left an indelible mark on the sport in Castelsarrasin, remembered for their devastating attacks and unwavering commitment.
- Jean Ciancia passed away on January 27, 2026, at the age of 85.
- He and his brother Jacques were instrumental in the CAC’s 1967 championship victory.
- Ciancia was known for his rigor, discipline, and demanding nature both on and off the field.
- His legacy extends beyond rugby, impacting the Castelsarrasin community through his work with municipal agents.
In Castelsarrasin (Tarn-et-Garonne), the name Ciancia resonated deeply within the rugby community. Jean and Jacques, both playing in the 3e line, crafted some of the most memorable moments in CAC history. The mayor of Castelsarrasin noted that Jean Ciancia “left to find his brother, who died too early in 2004, in this Ovalie sky where he now has many teammates and rugby enthusiasts.” Born in Montaïn to a family of Italian origin, rugby was, according to the mayor, “the passion of his life.”
Jean-Philippe Bésiers highlighted Ciancia’s influence beyond the pitch. “Through his rigor at work, he forged the spirit and trained many municipal agents, with respect and discipline, values which made him a great rugby player.”
A Respected Figure at town Hall
The CAC rugby club expressed profound sadness at the news. “Jeannot had the honor and privilege of being French champion several times under our colors. According to veterans, in this rugby marked by amateurism, like his elder Jacques, third row like him, Jeannot was demanding, rigorous and uncompromising with himself, he became a locker room legend and a respected figure.”
The loss is also keenly felt in Valence-d’agen, where Jean-Jacques Ciancia, Jean’s son and a leader in the local rugby club, resides. jean-Jacques is well-known in Valence for his long-standing involvement with the CIAS and the Balivernes home. Following health issues, Jean Ciancia was admitted to the SMR of the Deux-Rives hospital center, where he died on Tuesday, surrounded by his family.Nicole Demathieu, on the Avenir valencien Facebook page, paid tribute to the “brilliant rugby player.”
“In these painful circumstances, we offer our sincere condolences to Bernadette his wife, Jean-Jacques his son and Céline, Nathalie, Guillaume and Caroline his grandchildren and their spouses, Lucas his great-grandson, his family, and assure them of all our moral support.”
The funeral of Jean Ciancia was celebrated this Thursday, January 29, 2026, at 10:30 a.m.,at the Notre-Dame church in Valence-d
