Transfers – Excluded Midol. Montpellier: Adam Beard, expected first size

After Billy Vunipola and Stuart Hogg, Montpellier is preparing to see the arrival of a new British Lion: barring a last minute change of heart, Adam Beard (28 years old, 58 caps) will wear the colors of Montpellier next season. The Welsh second line has given its agreement to the Hérault leaders, wishing to densify and rejuvenate their cage.

The Ospreys man is, in these respects, a first-rate recruit. At 28, he benefits from considerable experience at the highest level with – beyond his 58 caps and his British and Irish Lions tour in 2021 – two victories in the 6 Nations Tournament and two participations in the Cup of the world. In France, last year, he started three of the four matches in which he took part; he then started every day of the last 6 Nations.

Upheaval in the second line

This number 4-5 is also a reinforcement in weight and size with its 203 centimeters under the height chart and 121 kg on the scale. A sideline specialist in his early days, he gradually became more experienced. To the point of being entrusted by Warren Gatland with the delicate mission of succeeding Alun-Wyn Jones as captain of the Welsh pack. Loyal to the Ospreys since his professional debut in 2015 (129 matches on the clock), the native of Swansea has decided to take on a new challenge abroad, knowing that he will remain, in principle, selectable, due to his number of selections.

In Hérault, he will be expected as one of the key men in the reconquest of a position in full upheaval: a question mark hovers over the rest of Paul Willemse's career, due to his multiple concussions, while that Bastien Chalureau, at the end of his contract, could leave next summer.