While the recruitment window has been officially open since May 1, several hot files remain to be monitored, notably on the side of clubs threatened by relegation like Paris or Perpignan. Focus on second-line movements and high potential contract ends.
Since May 1, professional clubs can officially recruit and have their players sign for next season. However, as for ages, most of the market has already been completed upstream, clubs preferring to give themselves 12 to 18 months of visibility. So much so that the biggest blow in terms of transfer – Le Garrec, from Racing to La Rochelle – was revealed on our site Rugbyrama.fr From August 13. Unheard of!
At this time of year, clubs are now watching for end -of -market opportunities, especially on the side of teams threatened by relegation. The staff of Vannes and Perpignan are particularly monitored. The twelfth place of the Stade Français, only a small point in the fourteenth, combined at the end of the contract of 17 of its players, arouses the interest of clubs already assured of staying in the elite. In the event of an industrial disaster, high -level players could find themselves on the market.
The UBB monitors Van der Mescht and chats with Richie Arnold
French internationals like Macalou, Azagoh or Barré are concerned. Even newcomers as carbon (which still has three years of contract) or Tanga (four years) see their CV circulating “in case”. Paris will not allow itself to be liable, but in the event of a descent, it will be difficult to keep everyone, especially since, according to our information, the liberating clauses “pro D2” are extremely rare in the workforce – we do not even count on the fingers of one hand.
-The second South African line JJ van der Mescht (26 years old) already draws the attention of several clubs, notably La Rochelle and Bordeaux, in search of weight reinforcements in this position. The UBB also discusses with Richie Arnold (34), the Toulousain. The Girondin club clearly seeks to densify its pack. In this logic, he has already convinced the hooker Castres Gaëtan Barlot (9 selections) to join him.
In Montpellier, we rather seek to secure the living forces at the end of the market. The second international line Florian Verhaeghe, according to our information, has extended his contract until June 2027. Arrived in 2020 from the Stade Toulousain, the 25 -year -old won as a executive of the Hérault Pack. At the top of his 2.03 m for 110 kg, Verhaeghe has played 26 games this season, including 21 as a holder, bringing power and master in touch. Trained in Montauban, he won the French championship with Toulouse in 2019, then the European challenge in 2021 and the Top 14 in 2022 with Montpellier.
The MHR now hopes to do the same with Baptiste Erdocio, still under contract for a season. Its profile and its price already attract many recruiters of the Top 14, but the club considers it intransferable.
