here is the latest recruit from Montpellier

Recruit from last offseason and arrived late in Montpellier, Josh Moorby finally starting to find a place in the back of a newfound MHR. He confides in At the time of Rugby on his new life in France and his doubts about the local cuisine, but also about his youth on a farm in New Zealand or the other sport he could have practiced at a high level.

Josh Moorby's bet in Montpellier

Promising young New Zealanders leaving their country before reaching their peak is not common, it is even rarer to sign for a moribund club as Josh Moorby agreed to do last year. For someone who describes himself as “a rugby fanatic”, the attraction of the Top 14 was nonetheless irresistible.

“I decided to come to play with the best players in the world and against teams that I only saw on television growing up. Above all, I wanted to do it at an age where I could perform well and develop at what I consider to be a good level by my own standards. I want to give myself a real chance here to have the option of extending the adventure in Europe or returning to the country with possibilities when the end of my contract comes,” explains the full-back.

“Some people may have thought I was leaving New Zealand too early, perhaps wondered why, but I love rugby, the Top 14 is a special competition and I wanted to be there” , he continues.

However, with one match remaining, everything could have been very different. In a few hours, Josh Moorby came close to having an anxiety attack.

“I decided to sign for Montpellier quite early, in April 2024. In June, the same weekend, I played a Super Rugby semi-final with the Hurricanes and Montpellier played the access match. We unfortunately lost and Montpellier played the next morning, I didn't want a double disappointment! Fortunately, history has decided otherwise,” he rejoices.

Nothing like farm life

Not even 5.5 million inhabitants. This is approximately how much the population is in New Zealand, which does not prevent the country from producing some of the best players in the history of rugby and from being proud of having the All Blacks for standard bearer.

The ingredients of the miracle recipe? A clever mix of cultures, know-how in training no doubt. And, one might believe, a rural environment conducive to development, as evidenced by examples like that of Richie McCaw or the Barrett siblings.

“I grew up on a dairy farm with an older brother and sister. Our childhood was a blessing and we realize it, life on the farm is very cool! We have almost total freedom, we do all kinds of stupid things there, it’s a great environment for growing up in my opinion,” says Josh.

A life in the great outdoors which is obviously not entirely synonymous with vacation: “It builds in us great resilience, humility and a real work ethic. We Kiwis are pretty laid back people, I consider myself pretty smooth. And I think I can speak for all the kids who grew up rural to say that yes, it can be hard, but it's still awesome. »

The farm, tennis and rugby

This life on the farm is now part of Josh Moorby's past, although the native of Te Awamutu in the Hamilton region also leaves himself the possibility of making it his future. Just as he is considering a post-career in teaching, like his big brother Cameron.

“Coming back to the farm would be great, maybe that will be in the plans. I also have a university degree, my brother is a professor and maybe this is a path I will consider. It’s good to have options if everything were to disappear tomorrow,” said the full-back who is capable of playing openly.

Able, also, to hold a racket with a certain efficiency: until he was 18, he could have aspired to a career as a high-level tennis player.

“I played until my final year of high school when I had to make a decision, but at the time in my age group I had reached the Top 10 in New Zealand and I was trying to get into the Top 5. That's how I met my girlfriend and we hit the ball regularly. Sometimes it even gets quite tense, but usually she wins,” he laughs.

Logically one would like to think, rugby ended up establishing itself, offering him the opportunity to come and discover another life beyond the oceans.

His first steps in France

After the family farm and tennis, it is the Hurricanes and the entire country that Josh Moorby left behind by responding favorably to the requests of the MHR.

“It wasn't easy, leaving my whole family behind, just like my partner did with hers. We are alone in a new country, facing a new language, a new lifestyle… the change is colossal,” breathes Moorby.

Whose positive character immediately takes over: “For now, we’re having fun! We're learning French slowly, but it's really hard. Even for the French you say? Thank you, that reassures me! In any case, I've been here three months, I learn something new every day, it's great. »

Although adventurous, he and his life partner have not yet found the time, or the courage, to confront the clichés of French cuisine.

“Honestly, we're pretty open but we haven't tried the snails yet! I saw that you could buy some in the supermarket… but I think I'm going to pass on it,” jokes the solid rear, measuring 1m88 and weighing 96 kilos.

However, they were able to visit the capital before attending France – All Blacks: “It was our first time in Paris, it was nice! But the road from the airport to the hotel… we took a VTC and I was attached to my seat from start to finish, people are crazy! After that we walked a lot. »

In short, Josh Moorby played tourist in Paris before taking advantage of the proximity of other destinations during his stay in Europe.

However, he did not come to Montpellier to go on vacation. With the replacement of Stuart Hogg at the opening, he could even become the starting back of the MHR. Whose staff so far seems satisfied with their player.

“His biggest job will be to adapt to the pace and rhythm of the Top 14. Afterwards, he is a talented player, very clean up top, quite strong with a good racket, he will be able to break tackles . I think he needs to get his speed back a little bit because he hadn't played for a long time before he arrived. He’s a good guy and a good recruit for the moment,” Benoit Paillaugue tells us.

A bit like the club, the best could well be yet to come for Josh Moorby.

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