Henri Riu | |
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| Born | 26 January 1920 Perpignan |
| Died | 24 January 2014 (aged 93) Roanne, France |
| Height | 1,77 m |
Henri Riu (January 26, 1920 – January 24, 2014) was a Rugby union and Rugby league player, representing France internationally in Rugby league. He played as a flanker, prop, lock, and hooker.
Native of Perpignan, he played Rugby union for USA Perpignan before World War II. A promising talent in Rugby union, he won the Frantz-Reichel Cup in 1938 but missed out on playing in the final of the French Championship the following year, despite his team qualifying. During the war, he was unable to participate in the 1944 title, as he was requisitioned for compulsory labor service in Germany.
In 1945, he caught the attention of RC Roanne's Rugby league club officials, led by Claudius Devernois, and decided to switch to Rugby league along with Joseph Crespo. He became one of the most successful forwards in the French Championship, winning it in 1947 and 1948 with RC Roanne. Later, he joined US Lyon-Villeurbanne and secured a third French Championship title in 1951. His impressive performances in Rugby league club matches earned him selection for the French national team, where he earned two caps in 1948 and 1949.