French rugby star in murder trial

Marc Cecillon won 46 caps for France

A court in France has heard how former rugby captain Marc Cecillon was depressed and drunk when he killed his wife at a garden party two years ago.

Mr Cecillon, 47, shot his wife Chantal five times at point-blank range.

The nine-member jury must decide whether it was a premeditated murder - carrying a mandatory life sentence - or involuntary manslaughter.

Mr Cecillon played for France 46 times from 1988 to 1995 and was captain of the national squad five times.

Mr Cecillon was led into the court in Grenoble on Monday as the trial began. His two daughters, whom he had not seen since the shooting, were both in court.

The incident occurred at a garden party in the town of Saint-Savin on 7 August 2004.

Mr Cecillon's daughters have not spoken to him since the killing

His lawyers argue the estrangement came as the former captain - described as "the calm man of rugby" - was in the grip of depression sparked by his retirement as a top sportsman.

Mr Cecillon was reported to have arrived at the party drunk and slapped the hostess for no apparent reason before being asked to leave.

Mrs Cecillon refused to leave with him, the court heard. He went home and returned shortly afterwards, when he pulled out a Magnum handgun and shot her in the presence of about 60 witnesses.

A dozen people struggled to overpower the 1.92m-tall (6ft 4in) sportsman before police arrived.

His lawyer says it was a crime of passion, committed under the influence of alcohol.