Thomas Castaignède

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Thomas Castaignède (born 21 January 1975) is a French rugby union footballer who plays at fullback, fly-half or centre for Saracens and France.

Born in Mont-de-Marsan (Aquitaine) Castaignède entered the international scene in 1995 when his drop goal defeated England in the final minute of a Five Nations clash and had already been a key player for Toulouse to help them win French titles in three successive seasons. He also lifted the inaugural European Cup with the French club.

In 1999 he was forced to pull out of the World Cup with a thigh problem.

He joined Saracens in 2000 but November of that year he suffered an Achilles injury while warming up for France against Australia. The injury kept him out for 18 months, until April 2002. In 2003, he was dropped from the national team, not returning until November 2005 against Australia when he appeared as a substitute in a 26-16 win.

Castaignède continues to play for Saracens.