Jade Betsen, the 23-year-old daughter of former France international Serge Betsen, will represent Trailfinders Women in the JAECOO Next Gen Cup final against Saracens on Saturday. The back-rower, who once hated rugby, is now chasing silverware at the StoneX Stadium.
From Hating Rugby to Following in Her Father's Footsteps
Jade admits she used to dislike the sport that made her father famous. "I used to really hate rugby, like a lot," she said. "When I used to go to his games, I would always stay upstairs so I didn't have to watch. Or if I was in the crowd, I would turn away because I just thought it was too dangerous."
Rugby was not initially an option for Jade and her siblings, as their parents were reluctant to let them play. It was only after her younger brother Martin, now 20 and with La Rochelle's academy, persuaded them to relent that the family began following Serge's footsteps.
A Late Start and Rapid Rise
Born in Bayonne before moving to Ealing as a young child, Jade did not begin playing rugby until 2021, during her first year at Loughborough University. After graduating with a sports science degree in 2025, she represented Richmond before joining Trailfinders this season.
Jade has not been intimidated by stepping out of her father's shadow. "It's hard to believe how far I've come, but also I've worked for it," she said. "It's not that I was just lucky enough to get here."
Family Support and Future Goals
Serge Betsen, who won the Six Nations three times, remains a supportive presence. "When I was at Richmond, sometimes he would come and watch training and he'd be like, 'Jade, were you at 100 per cent or 200 per cent?'" she recalled.
Jade is balancing her on-field ambitions with a career in occupational therapy, working with autistic children at a French primary school in Ealing. An international call-up remains a goal, with a preference for France over England, and her 13-year-old sister Louise is also showing signs of athletic promise.
For now, Jade's focus is on Saturday's final, where she hopes to give her vocal father another reason to celebrate. "Oh my God, my dad is so loud," she laughed. "It's quite embarrassing, actually. So probably my dad!"
