Betsen, widely regarded as one of the greatest flankers of the professional era, made his mark on world rugby with France and at club level with Biarritz and London Wasps. Nicknamed La Faucheuse (the Grim Reaper) for his uncompromising tackles and relentless work rate, he became a regular in the French national team after the 2000 Six Nations. His standout moment came in 2002, when his man-marking of Jonny Wilkinson led France to victory over England and a Grand Slam title. He went on to represent France at two Rugby World Cups and was named France’s International Player of the Year in 2002.
Since retiring, Betsen has combined coaching, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy. He served as Defence Coach at Rouen Normandie Rugby (2021-2023) and founded Agency 76, a consulting and training firm that builds on his earlier ventures, Serge Betsen Consulting and Serge Betsen Rugby. His Serge Betsen Campus uses rugby’s values to strengthen resilience, leadership, and team cohesion in the workplace, while his social enterprise Le Ballon Responsible recycles old sports balls into leather goods and accessories.
Betsen is equally committed to giving back through the Serge Betsen Academy, which has supported education, healthcare, and rugby training for children in Cameroon since 2004. He also founded French Legends in 2013 to unite former internationals for charity matches. A member of the Champions for Peace club under the patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, he continues to use sport as a bridge for dialogue and social impact. In 2024, he was named Ambassador for the city of Clichy during the Paris Olympic Games.
The Sri Lanka – France Business Council of The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce has announced a new initiative to boost tourism and introduce value-added cultural exchanges through a unique blend of French rugby and fashion.
