Challenge Cup – 259 days later, the long-awaited return of Anthony Bouthier against the Lions

This Saturday, it will be 259 days since Anthony Bouthier last wore the MHR jersey in an official match. Eight and a half months of absence which can be explained by a serious injury, in this case a rupture of the cruciate ligament in the right knee. A real setback for the 11-cap international, rarely injured (with the exception of a sprained elbow at the start of last season) and accustomed to seasons with nearly thirty appearances in all competitions, as was the case case in 2022-2023 and 2021-2022, where he was one of the big players in the French champion title won in the final against Castres (29-10).

Even if he was replaced by his teammate Julien Tisseron, who managed to keep things running in his absence, Bouthier was terribly missed by the Montpellier residents last season, which was marked by this chaotic journey which took them to the Stade des Alpes for the access match narrowly won against Grenoble. At that time, the MHR was in crisis and badly needed leaders. Like others, the ex-Vannetais therefore did his best to accompany his group in the storm, but trembled in the Isère stand until the maintenance was delivered.

Already in the leaders group for three weeks

Today, Bouthier is ready for his return. Author of very good training performances in recent weeks, he could even have resumed competition earlier. But at 32, the player and his staff know too well that a hasty return could have disastrous consequences. “It’s the medical and physical trainers who decide on returns. Rugby-wise, Anthony was ready but we wanted to give him time to come back,” his manager Joan Caudullo told us. The Montpellier residents therefore showed wisdom and respected the deadline to give the player maximum time to complete his preparation.

However, Bouthier was not left to do nothing: “For three weeks I have put him in the Monday leaders group, the one responsible for debriefing the last match and kicking off the week. Even if he did not play, Anthony is a leader. He was for example in 2022 , during the year of the title and he still is. In any case, we can’t wait to see him again on the field.”supported Caudullo. According to the manager, the full-back has fully regained his sensations and seems to have full confidence in his treated knee. “For the record, he was the first to pass our aerial duels with 100% engagement, Caudullo says. He’s doing good quality training and the GPS data indicates he’s ready to compete.”

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When he returns to the field, this Saturday against the Lions, Bouthier will find a tough team, sure of its strengths and determined to win a title, whatever its nature. Nothing to do with the team that he left on a stretcher on April 24, and which was going to suffer its fourth consecutive defeat against Perpignan and the GGL to boot…

Additional option in 10

But even if the MHR is in a much better position this seasonthe return of Bouthier is very good news and in several respects. First, by the length of his kicking game. Even if the Cistes are equipped with Reinach, Coly, Hogg or Moorby, Bouthier has a powerful and precise strike which can help the MHR lay siege to its opponents’ camp. Furthermore, his return adds depth to the rear triangle. Even if the latter is rather well stocked, you can never have too many quality players to perform well in two competitions at the same time. Finally, Anthony Bouthier provides an additional fallback solution to the opener position. “We are talking about this possibility, in fact confirms Caudullo. Between the injured and the players training at the position, we don’t have a lot of solutions in 10. Anthony has already played there in Top 14, so it’s an additional solution. This weekend he will start at fullback to focus on his return.” One thing after another…