Agen a rugby club steeped in history, celebrated its centenary just 3 years ago, a club that throughout the 1900’s claimed 8 Bouclier de Brennus (French Champions) and were 4 times winners of the trophy Yves de Manoir. For many years Agen was the power of French rugby producing some brilliant Internationals, such as Christian Califano, Daniel Dubroca or the record breaking world famous Philippe Sella, just to mention a few, but unfortunately they were victims of the new professional era where in recent years they spent a little time away from the Elite, but in 2009/10 as Champions of the Pro D2 they bounced back to compete in this seasons TOP 14. This season has been difficult so far, and they are currently lying in 11th place with 32pts, but they will be making the journey to Montpellier still smarting from their home defeat in August from their hosts this Saturday, by a bonus point score of 6-35. Their last match at home 2 weeks ago saw a brilliant defeat of Toulon by 23-13 so this team from the Capital of  the French prune country has to be taken seriously, they will be trying their very best to stay with the Elite for next season, therefore wanting all the points necessary en route to achieve this.

 

Montpellier have one or two injury problems and will be without Massi Matadigo and Timmy Nagusa, and Vassili Bost who was operated on Saturday for an epanchement de genou (fluid on the knee) and will be absent for at least 4 weeks according to the team doctor, but will have winger Pierre Berard and chef d’Orchestre Francois Trinh-Duc back from International duty as long as Francois passes a fitness test on his injured knee which he picked up last weekend during the England v France 6 Nations match.

 

Montpellier need a minimum of 4 points to continue their voyage towards top 6 qualification and next seasons H Cup, so an interesting contest will certainly be on show.

 

If you have not already purchased your ticket go to www.montpellier-rugby.com and click on Billeterie, or phone the ticket office on 04 67 47 99 71, surely another mouth watering encounter not to be missed.

 

 

Steve Whittell.