Top 14: Montpellier pay the price for weekend
victory over Stade Francais
18 November 2008
Montpellier’s reward for beating former
leaders Stade Francais on Friday is the loss of three
players – two to injury and one to the national team.
Argentine fly-half Frederico Todeschini could
be out for three months after tearing a bicep against Stade,
while centre Sylvain Mirande is undergoing further tests
after a suspected double fracture in his hand.
As if that wasn’t bad enough, they have also
lost Julien Tomas to the French squad after the scrum-half
was called up in place of the injured Jean-Baptiste
Elissalde.
Former Montpellier prop Laurent Vili was also
in the news this week following the launch of a fund-raising
appeal on his behalf by Provale, the players’ union.
Provale is trying to bolster Vili’s coffers
ahead of a forthcoming court case, in which the
ex-Montpellier player is accused of murder.
He has already been
acquitted once, but the case is set for an appeal hearing in
early December.
Provale has stepped in because the initial
case cost Vili €40,000.
“Who today can easily find €40,000 to defend
themselves? It’s time for the great family of rugby to prove
its solidarity,” said a Provale statement.
Better news for high-flying Bayonne
though, with confirmation that long-term absentee Julien
Tilloles is back in training. The scrum-half has been out
for four months following an operation on his right knee.
Perpignan
have confirmed the DNACG has approved the playing licence
for All Black fly-half Dan Carter.
The Kiwi number 10 is due to join up with the
Catalans on December 1st, with his debut likely
to be against Leicester in the Heineken Cup.
Finally, former Stade Francais scrum-half
Agustin Pichot could be set for a return to Paris
according to Midi Olympique. Watch this space for further
developments.
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