Bertrand joins Rouge et Or coaching staff

LAVAL –  It is with great pride that Club Rouge et Or football today announces the arrival of Mathieu Bertrand in his coaching staff.

The former star quarterback at the University Laval and native of Chambly has decided to return home to start his post-career. Bertrand played nine seasons as a fullback in the CFL with the Edmonton Eskimos before retiring.

The 35 years old Bertrand will take care centers-backs and special teams at the Rouge et Or, a facet of the game in which he has excelled in the pros, in addition to giving a hand on the offensive led by offensive coordinator Justin Ethier.

The President of the Club Rouge et Or football Jacques Tanguay said he was delighted with this acquisition.

“Of all the players in the history of the Red and Gold, Matthew is the one who had the best career,” said Tanguay. “An example of leadership, we are happy to welcome him back home. ”

The head coach Glen Constantin Red and Gold abounds in the same direction.

“Mathieu is a pioneer in Laval, he helped the program to gain acclaim,” said Constantin.  “He brings here a good knowledge of football, in addition to having the charisma and be appreciated by players and coaches.”

“We are very happy to repatriate.”

Offensive coordinator Justin Ethier welcomed the versatility Bertrand will bring to the position.

“Mathieu played as quarterback and fullback in addition to imposing on special teams in his career, allowing him to have a good analysis of several aspects of the game,” according to Ethier. “I saw his enthusiasm during the last training camp in Florida, where he came to give us a hand, and I found it well communicated his passion for football players.”

“That it can not be learned.”

Still living in Edmonton, Bertrand should move to Quebec at the end of June.

Bertrand played five years with the Rouge et Or Laval University including helping to win the first two Vanier Cup history in 1999 and 2003. Named MVP in Quebec in 2002 and 2003, his name is still a few times in the record books of the Rouge et Or

In the Canadian Football League, Bertrand won the Grey Cup in 2005 with the Eskimos, the only team for which he played. In nine seasons, he accumulated 116 receptions for 912 yards and three touchdowns, in addition to carrying the ball 51 times for 119 yards and seven adults.

With files from Mathieu Tanguay, Laval Rouge et Or Sports Information