Jacques POULAIN

Born in the Puy-de-Dôme region of France, Jacques Poulain started his career as a footballer in Brittany with Saint-Malo. As a versatile defender, Stade Rennais signed him in 1952, when they were playing in the First Division. During his first season in a red and black shirt, he was used in several positions, playing up front as well as in defence. The following season, with Rennes relegated to the Second Division, he finally earned his spurs as first choice, and settled down to concentrate purely on a defensive rôle in the team, where he would stay a first-team regular for several seasons. In 1956, he helped his team to the Second Division title, and racked up 250 appearances for Rennes, making him one of the longest-serving players in the history of the club in terms of matches played. In the 1960/1961 season, however, he suffered with the competition of players such as Boutet, Gouès and Le Menn, losing his regular place in the starting line-up as a result. At the end of that season, he concluded the noteworthy Rennes chapter of his career to sign for Stade Briochin (Saint-Brieuc), in the Third Division, where he would ultimately play out the remaining seasons of his playing career. Having studied at dentistry school whilst playing football, he would work as a dentist after hanging up his boots for good. He passed away, aged 85, on 22nd November 2017.