In 1938, he shifts to the semi-professionalism of rugby league, playing for RC Roanne XIII alongside Robert Samatan and Max Rousié while working for the Devernois factory, not appreciating the pseudo-amateur mores of the championship at the time.

He was considered by the rugby league literature as "an attack prince" , "an exceptional back with dazzling start-up and an ultra-developed sense of game".

His two union international caps in 1945 for France on 1 January 1945 against Army Rugby Union (greeted by Jacques Chaban-Delmas, who will play alongside him in the following test cap against the British Empire XV on 28 April 1945), caused a very grave crisis against other national teams, being the reason of a 8-year eclipse.

He still would play for Bayonne until 1956; he is the great centre who inspired his successors such as Maurice Prat, Roger Martine and André Boniface.

From 3 June 2001, in his memory, Aviron Bayonnais' home stadium, Parc des Sports Saint-Léon was renamed Stade Jean Dauger.