A few years ago, we sometimes found athletes in the dock of a courthouse for post-match fights or too drunken third halves. Today, when they are charged or convicted, it is often for domestic violence. Like the three new rugby players from Montpellier.
After the return of Mohamed Haouas and the arrival of Stuart Hogg, it is Wilfrid Hounkpatin who is announced in Montpellier for the next Top 14 season. Three players recently convicted by the courts, notably for domestic and/or intra-family violence.
This recruitment, although sporting, may come as a surprise at a time when society is less and less accepting of this type of behavior towards women.
Wilfrid Hounkpatin, rugby player from Castres, is announced in Montpellier for the 2024-2025 season – archives.
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© VALENTINE CHAPUIS / AFP
Pillar Wilfrid Hounkpatin announced at MHR
The 32-year-old rugby player from Castres could join the Montpellier team. His latest troubles with the law are having a rather bad effect on the eve of the transfer.
Indeed, on April 3, the French international (a selection with the Blues) was sentenced by the Castres criminal court to 12 months in prison with a two-year probationary suspension and obligation to follow an awareness course on domestic violence , for acts of domestic violence, and a complaint from his partner, dating back to January 2024. He is also required to undergo psychological care.
The future of the Aubagne native was uncertain in Castres, where he has been playing since 2018, and was under contract for another two years. It seems almost certain that he will be part of the Cistes for the 2024-2025 season.
The former pillar of the French XV and Montpellier was tried for voluntary violence in a group with a weapon for acts dating back to New Year’s Day 2014. He was found guilty and sentenced to 18 months in prison, 9 of which were suspended.
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© SYLVIE CAMBON / MAXPPP
A second chance for Mohamed Haouas
It was last April,The MHR announced the return of Mohamed Haouas to its workforce this summer. The player who left the Hérault club in 2023 for Biarritz has signed for one season.
“Montpellier Hérault Rugby grants a second chance to Mohamed Haouas” : the title ofcommuniqué left no doubt as to the club’s support for its former player. “Despite Mohamed’s past mistakes, President Mohed Altrad decided to offer him a second chance, underlining the club’s commitment to social inclusion and rehabilitation”explained the rugby club on Tuesday April 16, 2024.
In February 2022, the court sentenced the French international to 18 months in prison and a fine of 10,000 euros. It was judge for his alleged involvement in tobacco shop burglaries in 2014.
Rebelote in May 2023. This time, the player from Montpellier and the XV of France was arrested for domestic violence against his partner. The Montpellier criminal court had it sentenced to one year in prison, but without continued detention. The player has appealed.
The Scotsman Stuart Hogg, former captain of the XV du Chardon, signs in Montpellier with the MHR – archives.
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© ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP
Stuart Hogg, a future ex-retiree
Former captain of the Scottish team, recently retired, Stuart Hogg, 32, has just signed up with the MHR for two seasons, plus one as an option.
Last March, he was charged following an incident in his home town of Hawick. He was arrested near his ex-wife’s home and charged with “threatening behavior”Stuart Hogg was eventually released on condition that he appear in court at a later date.
The retiree then followed a cure in “a rehabilitation center to get away from social networks and detach yourself from insults”.
12 starts in the pro team
Among the starters, we find Grégory Fichten, Valentin Welsch, Clément Doumenc, Aubin Eymeri, Louis Foursans-Bourdette, Geoffrey Doumayrou, Alexandre de Nardy, Ben Lam, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Lasha Macarashvili and Titi Lamositele.
All transfers on Allrugby.
Another departure confirmed. Stade français announced on its X account the recruitment for next season of Louis Carbonel, international flyhalf for Montpellier (six caps) and former Toulon player.
