Oyonnax & Portugal Pedro Bettencourt forced to retire

Oyonnax released a statement earlier today that 29 year old Pedro Bettencourt was forced to retire due to concusions

"  It was not an easy decision but it was the most obvious one... There is this regret of not having been able to say goodbye to the field and the club as I would have liked but I keep all these experiences, these emotions and the human encounters throughout my time at Oyonnax. These five years have undoubtedly made me a better man, with this serenity of knowing that Oyonnax Rugby is on the right path, with the ambition that the club deserves ", says Pedro BETTENCOURT.

Pedro joined Oyonnax Rugby in 2019, from Newcastle Falcons, after stints at ASM Clermont Auvergne and US Carcassonne.

The Portuguese international – who notably participated in the last World Cup in France – will have played 75 matches with the Oyonnaxian jersey, for 7 tries scored. His career was notably marked by this title of French PRO D2 Champion in 2023 .

A technical and explosive player, he is also an endearing, smiling and charismatic man. He will have left his mark on his time in Haut-Bugey, having notably worn the captain's armband on a few occasions.

“  Pedro was one of my first recruits as manager at Oyonnax Rugby and we thank him hugely for what he has done for the club on and off the field in recent seasons. He left his mark on the club by being Champion of France and with his exceptional performances with Portugal during the World Cup. He will always be part of the Oyonnax Rugby family and we support him in this new stage of his life ,” confides manager Joe EL ABD .