Dax rugby legend Jean-Louis Bérot, a former French international and founder of the renowned Bérot thermal baths, died Tuesday at the age of 78 following a fall from a palombière – a hunting platform used for wood pigeons – near Saint-Laurent-de-Gosse in the landes region of France.
Bérot earned 21 caps for the French national team between 1968 and 1974, notably scoring the winning penalty in a 1974 Five Nations match against Ireland. A versatile player, he excelled as both a winger and scrum-half, spending the majority of his club career with Toulouse (1964-1973), reaching the French Championship final in 1969 and the Yves-du-Manoir Challenge final in 1971. He returned to his hometown club, Dax, in 1973 to conclude his playing days.
Following his retirement as a player on April 1, 1974, Bérot established the Bérot thermal baths, which became a local landmark. He remained deeply involved with Dax, serving as a coach and later president.
In April 2007, Bérot was appointed a Knight of the Legion of Honor.
Dax rugby club will honor Bérot’s memory during their match against Vannes at the Maurice-Boyau stadium on Thursday, October 2nd at 9 p.m. Midi Olympique extends its deepest condolences to his family and friends.
