French rugby lost one of its quiet giants on Tuesday when Jean-Louis Bérot died tragically at the age of 78. His death the result of a fall while hunting in the Landes countryside he loved so dearly stunned not only his hometown of Dax, but the wider rugby family across France.

Born on 28 July 1947, Bérot grew up in a part of France where rugby is not just a sport, but a culture and a way of life. From the start, he embodied the values of his region: resilience, humility, and a fierce passion for the game.

He began his career with US Dax, before moving on to Stade Toulousain, where his versatility as both a fly-half and scrum-half made him invaluable. He returned to Dax in 1973, never straying far from his roots. For Bérot, rugby was never about glory; it was about representing his people.

Between 1968 and 1974, Bérot wore the jersey of France 21 times. He faced the mighty All Blacks, toured South Africa and Australia, and competed in the Five Nations Championship.

In 1974, against Ireland, with the game hanging in the balance, Bérot stepped up and landed a penalty from over 40 metres out, on an awkward angle, deep into injury time to earn France a victory.

Bérot was never one to chase headlines. He carried his victories, and his disappointments, with the same quiet dignity.

When his playing days ended, he poured his energy back into his club and his town. He coached US Dax in the late 1970s and 1980s, later serving as an administrator and also as president of its omnisports organisation.

Away from rugby, Bérot trained as a physiotherapist and created the Thermes Bérot, a thermal spa in Dax that became a cornerstone of the local community. To many, he was not just a former international star, but a trusted professional, a neighbour, and a friend.

US Dax, spoke of “immense sadness” and promised to honour him with a tribute at their stadium. Former teammates, opponents, and fans remembered a man who combined rare talent with humility, intelligence, and kindness.

His passing is a reminder that even the strongest fall, but the spirit they leave behind continues to inspire. In Dax, in Toulouse, and in every corner of France where rugby is played, the name Jean-Louis Bérot will remain spoken with respect, gratitude, and love.