Brendan Gallagher: Furious little bull who was as hard as nails

Brendan Gallagher: Furious little bull who was as hard as nails

Imagine being a French rugby international in the tumultuous decade between 1971 and 1981, with huge Five Nations clashes every year against teams like Wales, New Zealand, and Australia.

The French selectors were also notoriously volatile during this period, and the demands of the French club season took a significant toll on players' bodies.

Despite these challenges, Roland Bertranne had a remarkable career, earning a standing ovation and "bravo" for his achievements between 1971 and 1981.

Given all that, can we offer up a standing ovation and bravo to Roland Bertranne, who passed away last week aged 75.

Miraculous performances defined his career, making him a notable figure in French rugby history.

Author's summary: Roland Bertranne's rugby career was marked by remarkable resilience and achievement.

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The Rugby Paper The Rugby Paper — 2025-10-15

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