Portuguese rugby international Pedro Betancourt said on Wednesday that he was “accepted” by the decision to retire from his playing career at the age of 29 “as a precaution” and after “frequent concussions”.
“There was no diagnosis. [de problemas neurológicos]. I had been having concussions for some time and was advised to stop as a precaution. From a neurological point of view, I’m fine,” the center of the Portuguese national team assured the Lusa agency.
Oyonnax, the French top 14 club where Betancourt played for the last five seasons, today announced “with emotion” that he has retired from playing due to concussion.
The player, who trains with CDUP, insisted that “it was not an easy decision” but admitted that it was “the most logical” and stressed that “there is no need to create an image of rugby as a dangerous sport” because, in his opinion, In his words, “it’s none of those things.”
“A lot of it had to do with my bad luck, technical difficulties or a history of shoulder injuries, which meant that technically I had to take more chances with my head. This is part of a contact sport, but most players don’t have a concussion,” the Portuguese national team player emphasized.
Moreover, the decision “was already made two or three months ago,” but it became official only today, the player explained.
“The last time I played was against Georgia in the final of the European Rugby Championship. Then I had another match in training, which didn’t have much significance, and then I saw a specialist who advised me to stop,” Betancourt said.
Therefore, he continues to be observed by club doctors, but assures that he looks into the future “very calmly.”
“Fortunately, in France there are good neurologists specializing in this area, and now I can’t control anything. I have to continue to lead a healthy lifestyle, live normally, be vigilant and hope that no problems arise,” he suggested.
For now, the author of Portugal’s first essay on facing Australia at the 2023 World Cup in France has no big plans for the future other than “enjoying the summer”, which is “almost never possible for a top manager”. player” and, soon, “resumption of studies in the field of management.”
“It was a little tough at first because I’ve always loved playing rugby, it’s part of my personality. . I’m lucky to have friends, family and a club who are very supportive,” he concluded.
A CDUP graduate and scorer of Portugal’s first try to defeat Australia (34-14) at the 2023 World Cup in France, he arrived in Oyonnax in 2019 after spells for Clermont, Carcassonne and Newcastle Falcons (England).
Pedro Bettencourt made his debut for the Portugal national rugby team on 9 November 2013 in Lisbon against Fiji (36-13 loss), interestingly the same opponent against whom he experienced one of the highest scores of his career almost 10 years later. , in Portugal’s first ever World Cup triumph – 24-23.
After participating in França2023, Pedro Betancourt played twice more for Wolves: at the 2024 European Championship against Poland and in the final against Georgia, whom Portugal lost 36-10.
At the 2023 World Cup in France, he did not feature in the opening match against Wales (28–8 loss), but was in the starting line-up for the next three matches: against Georgia (18–18), Australia (34–14 loss). ) and Fiji (win 24-23).
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
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