Northern Edition

Select Edition

Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
New Zealand New Zealand
France France

Montpellier take new French transfer trend to the extreme

England's back row Billy Vunipola warms up during the France 2023 Rugby World Cup semi-final match between England and South Africa at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, on the outskirts of Paris, on October 21, 2023. (Photo by EMMANUEL DUNAND / AFP) (Photo by EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP via Getty Images)

Bernard Laporte’s Montpellier are taking a growing trend in French rugby to the extreme by loaning out nearly one-fifth of their side to other clubs next season.

ADVERTISEMENT

The trend of loaning players has increased in recent years in French rugby, with clubs looking to get players off their salary books while simultaneously giving their younger athletes playing time that is difficult to afford them as part of a larger squad.

Montpellier has confirmed it is loaning out eight players for the next season to various clubs in the Top 14, Pro D2 and Nationale.

Video Spacer

Head coach Andy Farrell on Ireland’s famous win over Springboks

Video Player is loading.
Current Time 0:00
Duration 0:37
Loaded: 0%
Stream Type LIVE
Remaining Time 0:37
 
1x
    • Chapters
    • descriptions off, selected
    • captions off, selected
    • en (Main), selected
    Video Spacer

    Head coach Andy Farrell on Ireland’s famous win over Springboks

    The players and their new clubs are as follows: Adrien Sonzogni to RCME Massy (Nationale), Valentin Welsch to Aurillac (Pro D2), Mathieu Uhila to Vannes (Top 14), Maël Perrin to Aurillac (Pro D2), Alexander Masibaka to Angoulême (Pro D2), Gabin Rocher to Nevers (Pro D2), Karl Martin to Aurillac (Pro D2) and Alexandre De Nardi to Mont de Marsan (Pro D2).

    This strategy is part of Bernard Laporte’s new recruitment drive following the club’s avoidance of relegation in 2024.

    The Top 14 champions in 2022, Montpellier are making a serious investment in new personnel. They have signed Mohamed Haouas, Nika Abuladze, Nicolás Martins, Stuart Hogg and Billy Vunipola – among others – as they aim to drag themselves out of the mire that was the 2023/24 season.

    The Top 14 season is set to begin on September 7th, with Montpellier hosting Lyon.

    Players In

    Wilfrid Hounkpatin, Prop, 32 y/o, Castres (FRA)
    Mohamed Haouas, Prop, 30 y/o, Biarritz (FRA)
    Nika Abuladze, Prop, 28 y/o, Exeter (ENG)
    Billy Vunipola, Back row, 31 y/o, Saracens (ENG)
    Nicolas Martins, Back row, 25 y/o, Soyaux-Angoulême (FRA)
    Alexis Bernadet, Scrum-half, 23 y/o, Montauban (FRA)
    Domingo Miotti, Fly-half, 28 y/o, Oyonnax (FRA)
    Thomas Vincent, Fly-half, 24 y/o, Agen (FRA)
    Luka Matkava, Fly-half, 22 y/o, Black Lion (GEO)
    Christa Powell, Centre, 27 y/o, Aurillac (FRA)
    Madosh Tambwe, Winger, 27 y/o, Bordeaux (FRA)
    Maël Moustin, Winger, 21 y/o, Bordeaux (FRA)
    Stuart Hogg, Fullback, 32 y/o, Exeter (ENG)
    Joshua Moorby, Fullback, 25 y/o, Hurricanes (NZL)

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Players Out

    Grégory Fichten, Prop, 33 y/o, Narbonne (FRA)
    Harry Williams, Prop, 32 y/o, Pau (FRA)
    Karl Tu’inukuafe, Prop, 31 y/o
    Titi Lamositele, Prop, 29 y/o, Harlequins (ENG)
    Lasha Macharashvili, Prop, 25 y/o, Agen (FRA)
    Valentin Welsch, Prop, 21 y/o, Loaned to Aurillac (FRA)
    Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Hooker, 28 y/o, Western Force (AUS)
    Adrien Sonzogni, Hooker, 21 y/o, Loaned to Massy (FRA)
    Masivesi Dakuwaqa, Back row, 30 y/o, Biarritz (FRA)
    Clément Doumenc, Back row, 27 y/o, Béziers (FRA)
    Aubin Eymeri, Scrum-half, 22 y/o, Chambéry (FRA)
    Louis Carbonel, Fly-half, 25 y/o, Paris (FRA)
    Louis Foursans-Bourdette, Fly-half, 22 y/o, Paris (FRA)
    Geoffrey Doumayrou, Centre, 34 y/o, Retirement
    Ben Lam, Winger, 33 y/o
    Alexandre De Nardi, Fullback, 25 y/o, Loaned to Mont-de-Marsan (FRA)

    Related

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Boks Office | Episode 39 | The Investec Champions Cup is back

    Argentina v France | HSBC SVNS Hong Kong 2025 | Men's Match Highlights

    New Zealand v Australia | HSBC SVNS Hong Kong 2025 | Women's Match Highlights

    Tokyo Sungoliath vs Shizuoka BlueRevs | Japan Rugby League One 2024/25 | Full Match Replay

    Reds vs Force | Super Rugby W 2025 | Full Match Replay

    The Rise of Kenya | The Report

    New Zealand in Hong Kong | Brady Rush | Sevens Wonders | Episode 4

    The Fixture: How This Rugby Rivalry Has Lasted 59 Years

    Trending on RugbyPass

    Comments

    0 Comments
    Be the first to comment...

    Join free and tell us what you really think!

    Sign up for free
    ADVERTISEMENT

    Latest Features

    Comments on RugbyPass

    J
    JW 1 hour ago
    Why NZR's Ineos settlement may be the most important victory they'll enjoy this year

    I wouldn’t think the risk is cash flow, as they have large cash reserves they said all through covid.


    I suspect the author has it completely wrong as it pertains to the pool as well, because I can’t see the contracts of players changing year to year like revenue does.


    I’d imagine there is an agreed principle to a ‘forecast’ figure of revenue for a cyclical period, and this is what 37% or whatever of is used for player salaries. So it would not change whatever that figure is until the next cycle. Cash flow, as you said, would be the main factor, but as they aren’t paid all it once, they’d not be hindered in this manor I don’t believe. Of all the references I’ve seen of a the player pool agreement, not once have I seen any detail on how the amount is determined.


    But yes, that would be a very reasoned look at the consequences, especially compared those I’ve seen in articles on this site. Even with turnonver north of $350 million a year, 20 is still a sizeable chunk. Like this RA’s broadcast deal, they might have smaller sponsorship for a short period to align with everything else, then look to develop the deal further heading into the Lions tour cycle? Perhaps trying to take a deal from low to high like that is unlikely to a long term investor, and NZR want to get a good shortterm deal now so they can capitalize on growth for the Lions (i’m assuming that series has consequences on more than just broadcast deals right).

    16 Go to comments
    J
    Janie Eish 2 hours ago
    Maro Itoje hits back at England critics over repeated claim

    MY  HERPES STORY AND HOW I WAS CUREDFor years, I struggled with the emotional and physical burden of the herpes virus, believing I would have to live with it forever. I tried countless treatments, medications, and therapies, but nothing seemed to bring lasting relief. It felt like a battle with no end in sight until I discovered a natural remedy that changed everything (herbs). Skeptical at first, I decided to give it a try, and to my surprise, I started noticing improvements in my overall well-being within two days of taking the medication. With consistency as prescribed by the herbal doctor, I felt healthier, more energized, and free from the symptoms that had once controlled my life. After completing the treatment, (14days) I visited my doctor for confirmation, and I was overjoyed with the results. I tested negative. I was cured from my HSV1&2This experience has given me back my confidence, peace of mind, and a renewed sense of hope. If you or someone you know is struggling with herpes or other health concerns like HPV, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, PCOS, or hepatitis, know that there are alternative options available and you will be cured. For those seeking a natural approach to wellness, I encourage you to explore this path with an open mind. You never know how life-changing it might be. Just if you want to reach out, you can contact: Email: dr.awaseherbalhome@ gmail. com WhatsApp: +2349074997110

    1 Go to comments
    LONG READ
    LONG READ No definites, but which Wales players could still make Lions squad? No definites, but which Wales players could still make Lions squad?
    Search