• A year and a half after taking charge of the MHR first team, Philippe Saint-André's assessment is extremely positive.

  • The former coach of the XV of France helped save the club from relegation, win the European challenge (the small European Cup) in 2021 and qualify it for the final stages.

  • Focus on Florian Verhaeghe, Bastien Chalureau, Alexandre Bécognée or Louis Foursans-Bourdette, four players who have come to light since taking office and symbolize the new face of the Montpellier club.

What a long way since January 2021… When Mohed Altrad appoints Philippe Saint-André as head of the team, in place of Xavier Garbajosa, the MHR is on the brink.

A year and a half later, after having saved its skin in the meantime and won the European challenge, Montpellier is playing this Saturday against Union Bordeaux-Bègles, the semi-final of the Top 14.

Under the rule of the former coach of the XV of France, Florian Verhaeghe, Bastien Chalureau, Alexandre Bécognée or Louis Foursans-Bourdette have progressed spectacularly.

They illustrate the turn of a club which put an end to the policy of mercenary activity which was the rule for a long time.

Alexandre Bécognée, from impact player to holder

On June 14, the MHR announced the extension of the third line until 2024. “Alexandre very quickly raised his level of play and constitutes a real winning bet”, evokes Philippe Saint-André.

Trained in Léognan, arrived from Mont-de-Marsan in Pro D2, his career is atypical.

"I didn't think that rugby would one day become my job," he explains.

At 25, the flanker imposed himself in the eyes of the staff, first by his dynamic entry into play, then the impact player became a starter.

“Players capable of having such physical density on the man do not run the streets”, explained David Auradou, his former coach in the Landes in 2021, before his first cape during the summer tour in Australia.

Bastien Chalureau, banned from "city tours"

The second line comes from afar.

A tortuous life course, bullshit, big and small, injuries, even fearing amputation.

And then what feels like a resurrection.

At 30, he may have become a real rugby player.

On and off the field.

“When we arrived, it was clear.

Xavier [Garbajosa] said to me: “I see you taking a ride around town once, you get out.”

That's why I moved away at first.

I haven't had a drop of alcohol for a year.

"He worked very hard, lost 12 kg, confirms Philippe Saint-André.

He is in the process of asserting himself at a very high level and it shows in his investment”.

This extraordinary profile (2.02 m for 120 kg) took the starting place left vacant by Paul Willemse since his injury.

Florian Verhaeghe, all of a captain

Called up in the France group, the second line has not yet worn the blue jersey.

It is probably only a matter of time.

Passed by all the young selections, this strong potential from Toulouse lived his first full season in Montpellier.

Philippe Saint-André has even already made him (punctually) his captain at the age of 24, proof of his maturity.

“He is an ambitious, hard-working and attentive person.

He will get there, ”said his former U20 coach, Thomas Liévremont, in 2017.

This formidable ball taker in touch, big tackler is surprisingly lively and skilful with the ball given his size.

Louis Foursans-Bourdette, the troublemaker of Saint-André compositions

Not sure he's playing against UBB, or even that he's on the scoresheet.

But the young 20-year-old opener has already achieved a form of feat.

To establish itself as a credible solution at the opening when Philippe Saint-André thinks about his team compositions.

However, the competition for the position is tough between the South African world champion Pollard and the great Italian hope Garbisi.

Nineteen times, the Nîmes has worn the MHR jersey this season, including 14 as a holder.

His sense of the game and his precision against the poles (87% success) make him a very great hope.

Sport

MHR: Paul Willemse will have knee surgery next week, his season is over

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