Born in Ibos where he started as a junior, Roland Bertranne was celebrated this Saturday with a stadium that now bears his name. For the occasion, a plethora of internationals were present to greet the man who wore the blue jersey 69 times.
Black and white photos, such as the Stade bagnrais, press articles and various period jerseys on the wings of the Pierre-Comet multipurpose hall in Ibos. In the center in the heart of the game, on table n°13 of the guests, Roland Bertranne surrounded by a myriad of internationals. The decor of the meal in honor of the former international is planted for a day of tribute with the stadium of the commune renamed in his name a few hours later.
A discreet man and player, it is with a lot of emotion and modesty that “the most illustrious sportsman in the village” – according to Sylvain Pebay, president of the association “les Amis de Roland” at the origin of this perfectly organized – received a shower of tributes. From his family first, with in particular a very touching speech from his son Franck, but also from his old fellow travelers from the XV of France. “Roland is my brother, indicates the former second line of Perpignan Jean-François Imbernon. For him, I can go to the end of the world. He’s a gentleman. »
“Thank you for having done it in my lifetime, and especially for having invited me! »
They are very numerous, among the former Blues, to have made the trip to Ibos this Saturday while through a short video message, Antoine Dupont also participated in the festivities. Among them, the slam buddies of 1977 and 1981 necessarily had a special place. “Everything that could be said during this day about Roland on his kindness, his discretion, the great player he was, perfectly reflects the man, underlines Jean-Claude Skrela. Roland, he has never been in animosity towards anyone and I am so happy that such days can exist, that rugby can still do that. »
Moved almost to tears, the former third line of Stade Toulouse and ex-coach of the XV of France did not have his eyes as red as the hero of the day when all the assistance rose from a single man for a standing ovation. “It was in Ibos that it all started for me, it was here that I discovered this passion for rugby, explained a few minutes earlier, on stage, Roland Bertranne. I thank all those who worked for this day, a wonderful idea, and thank you for having done it in my lifetime, and especially for having invited me (smile)! Laughter in the room, won over like never before.
The Blues are unanimous
“Roland is an education, a know-how, a man of sharing, notes Serge Blanco, who took over from the Iboscéen in the costume of the record holder of selections for the France team. When I started with the Blues, I remember that he was always benevolent, he supported me, guided me, and what a player! »
If Jean Gachassin, who had him signed at Bagnères, evokes a friend, and all his respect for the man whom Roger Couderc nicknamed the “little furious bull”, he adds: “He’s pure, he never cheats in more than being an absolutely crazy athlete! “And Philippe Sella, the man with 111 selections to describe him as a model, an example to follow: “When I was young, I watched the matches on TV and Roland was there. I watched him a lot and when I played with him, he exuded such strength, if he was under stress, it couldn’t be seen at all, he always ran with his chest raised like a beast. »
In the middle of this concert of praise, it was therefore necessary to make their way to the Ibos stadium, not far from the famous collegiate church. A compact crowd then awaited the unveiling of the plaque indicating the new name of the place. “These are great moments, says Roland Bertranne. Frankly, I did not expect all that, it’s great. There is joy, we meet up with friends, it’s perfect. “And completely deserved agree to say all the people present.
