David Venditti (born July 4, 1973) is a French former professional rugby union player who primarily played in the position of centre. He is recognized for his career in the French Top 14 and his representation of the French national team during the late 1990s.
Early Life and Club Career Born in L'Isle-Adam, France, Venditti began his professional career with CA Brive. He was a prominent member of the Brive squad during one of the club's most successful periods, notably participating in the 1996–1997 Heineken Cup (now the European Rugby Champions Cup). He started in the final where Brive defeated the Leicester Tigers 28–9 to claim the European title.
In 1998, Venditti moved to Stade Français, a club based in Paris. During his tenure there, he contributed to the team winning the French Rugby Union Championship (the Brennus Shield) in the 1999–2000 season. Following his time in Paris, he played for CS Bourgoin-Jallieu and USA Perpignan before concluding his professional career.
International Career Venditti earned his first cap for the French national team on November 30, 1996, in a match against South Africa. Between 1996 and 1999, he earned a total of 14 caps for France. During his international career, he scored four tries, totaling 20 points. He was a participant in the Five Nations Championship (the predecessor to the Six Nations) and was noted for his physical presence and defensive capabilities in the midfield.
Style of Play As a centre, Venditti was characterized by his strength and ability to break the gain line. His career coincided with the transition of rugby union from an amateur to a professional sport, and he was regarded as a reliable fixture in the French domestic league throughout this period.