A tougher start to the season would be difficult, for our first game this season we were hosts to TOULOUSE French Champions. The first chapter of this seasons TOP 14 ended with a great victory for MONTPELLIER 16-11, in front of a near capacity crowd. The team’s performance was one of pure and utter bravery in defence and some wonderful attacking moves to prove to one and all that MONTPELLIER means business this year.
Four days later we find ourselves playing away from home against last years finalists CLERMONT, does it get any harder? The game was played under amazingly high temperatures which did not help either team. MHRC. fielded a much changed side to the one that beat TOULOUSE, having rested many of the players who performed so well last Tuesday evening.
Unfortunately our second game did not have the same result, a mixture of bad defence, discipline that has to be questioned, and a team effort that was sadly lacking in cohesion and spirit, but I’m sure, as always this will be seriously looked at and words will be said. The end result of 43-20 sounded severe but with the last quarter to play, we were down only 29-20, two yellow cards to follow, and the story changed very quickly. A lot will be learned from this last away fixture and hopefully we will progress.
Next Saturday MHRC are away to Dax where we will certainly be looking for a minimum of 4 pts.
Last week the latest of our new signings for this year arrived, Jacques Schutte (1m 79,90kg 28 years old) having at last obtained his work permit for France. His first impressions were very positive and he was excited to meet his new teammates and try to perform to the highest levels for the club. We wish him all the best in his new adventure with MONTPELLIER Hérault RUGBY CLUB.
INTERVIEW WITH JACQUES SCHUTTE. Our latest and last signing of the season Jacques SCHUTTE, South African Fullback, was kind enough to give me his thoughts on the next chapter of his new rugby career with MHRC.
He arrived last week after a rather long wait for his work visa, Jacques last club was Valke Falcons, he is 28 years old 1m.79, 90kgs, married with one child and soon to become a father for the second time.
How did you feel on your arrival in Montpellier? I believe it was time to leave South Africa and play rugby somewhere in Europe, I was approached by MHRC, the club’s infrastructure and incredibly long list of great rugby players, did not take me long to make up my mind. My arrival here was one of tremendous excitement, and as a bonus I had already played or knew, most of the South Africans playing at MHRC.
Have you seen any of Montpellier or the region? The moment I arrived some of the boys took me round the town and down to see the Mediterranean Sea. It will take time for me to know my way around but I’m here to stay so all in good time. What do you think you can bring to MHRC? I hope to bring my rugby experience, gained in South Africa and be able to be part of a team which has fantastic ambitions for the future. There are many nationalities and cultures at Montpellier and I’m sure just being part of a team of this stature is going to give me the motivation to better myself. Seeing the Stadium Yves du Manoir for the very first time, brought thoughts of the atmosphere and support you would receive playing in front of 14 000 spectators, and of course my aims are to score loads of points for the club. How’s your French? I thought I would be alright, until everybody started talking to me in French! I have an awful lot to learn, not only on the field of play, but also off it! But we will get there eventually. The French lessons are going to be a tremendous help.
The reception I received on my arrival was excellent by both players and club officials, and it was obvious that my new home and club are going to be very special.
Merci Jacques et à bientôt !
There are still season tickets available, please keep in touch with our web- site www.montpellier-rugby.com as throughout the season various promotions for match tickets will be announced, the Boutique is also restocking with our very own brand “Esprit de Rugby.” Tel.04 67 47 99 71.
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STEVE WHITTELL – Club des Supporters
