the essential
René Landes is a life dedicated to Rugby and to the transmission of the values of ovals. As he withdraws from the Lot departmental rugby committee, even if he remains at the GSF, meeting with a rugby figure.
In the world of Occitan rugby, René Landes no longer needs to be introduced. At the age of over 80, he retired from the Lot departmental rugby committee, but remained passionately involved in the world of rugby, notably as a manager within the Figeacois sports group and other associations. Let's look back at his long and rich career.
René, tell us about your sporting journey!
Paradoxically, I started sport with football at the age of 10 and I played until the senior category. In 1965, after a two-match suspension, I decided to try rugby. After a first match in the reserves, I was established as a center in the first team and, since then, I have not left this sport. It was in the 60s. At the time, I was a substitute teacher in the department and I wore the jersey of almost all the clubs in the Lot, depending on my assignments! In 1973, I returned to Figeac, and two years later, I experienced an unforgettable moment by winning the French Federal 3 championship. With an educator's diploma in hand, I joined the Lot departmental committee (CD46 ), where I coached all age categories until 1986, before leaving to coach in Bagnac. At the same time, I got involved in the Limousin committee, where I supervised the Taddeï juniors and participated in the development of educator training with other enthusiasts. After half a century of involvement in departmental rugby, fatigue is making itself felt; I'm taking a step back, but I remain a manager at GSF. I need those pre-match adrenaline rushes; It’s such a unique atmosphere!
You wear other hats too, don't you?
Yes, in the 80s, with other veterans, we created the Bourdillous du Célé, an association of former rugby players which organizes training and tournaments in a spirit of camaraderie and conviviality, with of course the famous third half. -time. The Bourdillous also work extracurricularly with high school students from Animapole, where we train students in the XV game at the La Vinadie stadium. I am also president of the 3rd age club, with the Figeac senior center, an intergenerational meeting place where young people and seniors share moments of conviviality. It is important to maintain this intergenerational link.
What are your best memories?
Obviously, the title of French champion with Figeac in 1975 remains a strong moment engraved in my memory. The title of Limousin champion with Bagnac is also a very beautiful memory. It’s a special emotion to look back and see how far we’ve come, especially at CD46. I am proud to see my son Fabrice and my son-in-law Jérôme (Richard), after a busy playing career, take their turn as coaches of the GSF seniors. I am also very proud of my grandsons Axel and Tom, who perpetuate the spirit of rugby, in Graulhet for the eldest and in Figeac for the youngest, and this is the moment to highlight the indulgence of Giselle, my wife who has been with me all these years…
What thoughts does rugby inspire in you today?
If rugby had been this structured forty years ago, it would surely have attracted even more people. Training is much more technical today, each gesture and each pass is thought out and structured. In my time, it was different, more instinctive. Rugby must remain accessible to all. It is not just a high-level sport, it is above all a way to share values of solidarity and respect, to create unforgettable memories. Rugby helps everyone, men and women, to mature and grow, to experience unique emotions, to meet people from varied backgrounds, and to preserve the memories of great adventures.
Serge Bedou, behind the CD, to “breathe a little”
DDM – JC Boyer
After a long career in the service of local and departmental rugby, Serge Bedou, another emblematic figure of the Figeacois sports group, takes a step back within the Lot departmental committee to “take a breather” as he explains.
Serge Bedou started in red and black in the 60s with the cadets, before moving to seniors. He also became an active member of Bourdillous du Célé and later joined the team of educators alongside René Landes. Committed to CD46 for twenty years, he took care of rugby schools in Lot and represented the department on the Limousin committee then in the Occitanie League.
Involved in the Figeac women’s center
Responsible for departmental selections, Serge Bedou remembers these years with emotion: “The committee technicians like Jérémy, Benjamin, Romain, and Mathieu did an exceptional job! “. He continued: “We presented excellent young players in these tournaments, and it was natural that those spotted would go and try their luck at big clubs. »
Today, still very active, he remains involved in the women's center of Figeac.
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