According to the team composition published on Thursday, the emblematic Montpellier player (35 years old, 39 caps), whose colors he proudly wore for eighteen seasons, is not even a substitute, as was already the case. in the semi-finals in Nice.

“At the third line position, this is where I have the most competition at the moment and no injuries”, justified Thursday at a press conference the manager of the MHR, Philippe Saint-André.

"The only thing, and yet I scratched my head, was to take six forwards and two three-quarters (as substitutes) and put him on the bench. But on a long season like this, I really think that the best way to win this game is to make five forwards and three three-quarters, so that's why Fulgence will be out of the group. warm-up or by tomorrow," he added.

"+ Fufu +, he is exemplary in everything, in his training, his professionalism, his approach to others: he is the guarantor of the locker room, continued Saint-André. He is completely involved, invested and very, very positive".

Another future retiree, the hooker and former captain of the Blues Guilhem Guirado (36 years old, 74 selections) is for his part holder for the final and will therefore be entitled to a beautiful exit.

But Thursday at a press conference, he did not want to expand on his personal case, nor on that of his teammate: "Ah this time, for sure, it will be the last, but we remain focused on the common objective, that of the team".

"You know very well that personalities remain aside, unfortunately, at that time (...) Of course it will be taken into account in our story, we are not fooled, we are also emotional like everyone else. world but we can't rely on that unfortunately," he said.

Exchange between the experienced Louis Picamoles of UBB and Fulgence Ouedraogo of Montpellier before the semi-final played in Nice, June 18, 2022 NICOLAS TUCAT AFP / Archives

As for Ouedraogo, he "will become an ambassador for the MHR, he will take care of the links with the clubs and associations in the area. He will do a lot of things because Mohed Altrad offered him a role in the club and I find that it is very important in the transmission", affirmed Philippe Saint-André.

"Fufu", whose last match in the MHR jersey dates back to May 21 against Racing 92, was carried in triumph by his teammates after the victory against Bordeaux-Bègles (19-10) in the semi-finals .

© 2022 AFP