As a former French rugby union player, he held the record for most international appearances until beaten by Jason Leonard.

He and Australian Michael Lynagh were the catalysts for Saracens as they made the transition into the professional era, and Sella's presence helped other players make up their minds about joining the up-and-coming club.

He made a then world record 111 appearances (or caps) for France, and is one of only five players to have scored a try in every game during a Five Nations season.

[citation needed] He scored the opening try in the Tetley's Bitter Cup final in the same year, a trademark Sella finish.

He showed pace, power and vision to run, swivel and crash over the line with his try then signalling the way for the floodgates to open.