The Welsh second row and the New Zealand hooker will be two new faces in the Hérault pack next season. opening, the Byrne track is still relevant but the MHR faces serious competition on this issue.
Particularly active on the transfer market this fall, Montpellier has just concluded two major projects aimed at strengthening its pack from next season.
As announced Monday on rugbyrama.frthe Hérault club has obtained the agreement of Welsh international second row Adam Beard (28 years old, 58 caps), who will be Ciste for the next three seasons. The Ospreys player, who had the honors of a British Lions tour in 2021, is renowned for being one of the best sideline specialists in the world. A player who is more mobile than dense (2.03 m, 121 kg), he nonetheless took over from the legend Alun-Wyn Jones as number 5 of a rejuvenated Welsh selection of which he is one of the captains. Another non-Jiff forward will soon sign his contract with the MHR: as indicated by Free MiddayNew Zealand hooker Ricky Riccitelli (29) also decided to respond favorably to Montpellier’s approach. Although he has never had the honors of the All Black selection, he has a fine reputation in Super Rugby with 14 tries in 39 matches played under the colors of the Auckland Blues.
Beard and Riccitelli said yes to Montpellier. Dave Lintott / Icon Sport – Simon Watts / lintottphoto.co.nz
Leicester in the dance for Byrne
After the commitments of English center Harlequins Lennox Anyanwu (23 years old) and Racing 92 winger Donovan Taofifenua (25 years old), the squad of the MHR version 2025-2026 is taking shape. Among the missing pieces of the puzzle, those of a scrum half and a flyhalf are the center of attention. While the departure of Cobus Reinach (34 years old, 37 caps) for the Stormers is now confirmed, the Hérault club hopes to find a successor of international stature to its current Bok. The hypothesis Herschel Jantjies (28 years old, 24 caps) still holds the rope even if nothing is set in stone.
As for the position of opener, the priority track remains that leading to Ross Byrne (29 years old, 22 caps), considered number 3 in the position in the hierarchy of the Clover XV. The name of the experienced Irish international has recently returned to Clermont without this interest being confirmed. Leicester, who risk seeing former Montpellier Handre Pollard join Japan next summer, are in the running while Leinster intend to keep their number 10, even though they are now facing strong internal competition. Business to follow.
Montpellier’s Transfer Market Madness!
In a whirlwind of activity more chaotic than a rugby match during a Red Bull-fueled half-time show, Montpellier Hérault Rugby (MHR) has once again taken the French transfer market by storm. That’s right, folks! Welsh second row Adam Beard and New Zealand hooker Ricky Riccitelli are waving goodbye to their old clubs and saying hello to what is sure to be a lively pack when the next season kicks off. Honestly, I’m half-excited and half-convinced this is just some kind of elaborate joke!
As revealed by rugbyrama.fr, Beard—who by the way is not just any ordinary player, but a British Lion in 2021—is packing his bags (and 121 kg of himself) for a three-year stint in France. A mobile giant at 2.03 meters tall, Beard describes himself as more of a “sideline specialist,” which is essentially code for “I’ll be there when you need me, but I may also be taking a nap.” The former Ospreys player has big shoes to fill, stepping in for the legendary Alun-Wyn Jones in the Welsh setup. Talk about pressure; all while he should probably focus on avoiding any health-and-safety violations that could come with being a towering second row!
But wait, there’s more! Enter stage left, Ricky Riccitelli, the Kiwi hooker who, despite never snagging an All Blacks jersey, has made quite the name for himself in Super Rugby. 14 tries in 39 matches for the Auckland Blues isn’t too shabby! He’ll be joining Beard in Montpellier’s ambitious packing plan, which sounds like a fascinating transformation—like trading in your compact car for an extended van. Expect issues like “who left the gum in the glove compartment?” to arise as these two giants battle it out for space on the team bus.
Leicester in the Dance for Byrne
As Montpellier continues their raid on the talent available in the rugby world, they aren’t done yet. It appears they are set on finding a scrum-half and flyhalf to round out their lineup for the 2025-2026 season. With Cobus Reinach bidding adieu for the Stormers, the pressure rises! Can Montpellier find a successor of “international stature”? Let’s temper those expectations; could they be hoping to snag Herschel Jantjies? The rumors are swirling, and if Jantjies’ quote game is anything like his passing, we’re in for a treat!
Meanwhile, the hunt for the next rugby magician, also known as a flyhalf, is leading them to the golden-haired Ross Byrne. Yes, you heard it right! The Irish international is considered the number three in his position by the Clover XV hierarchy. However, if the latest rumors are true, Leicester is sharpening their pens and getting ready to swipe him, especially with whispers about Handre Pollard making the leap to Japan.
To add to the suspense, Leinster is playing hardball, trying to keep their prized number 10. It’s like a soap opera but with more muscle and significantly less crying—unless you’re on the losing end of a tackle!
So, my dear readers, as this rugby soap opera unfolds, we can only sit back and enjoy the drama, the transfers, and perhaps even a few spontaneous sideline dances. Can Montpellier shape a squad capable of dominating the league? Or will next season resemble a comedy show where the punchlines are hilariously misplaced? Only time will reveal what this transfer saga has in store. Stay tuned!
Particularly active on the transfer market this fall, Montpellier has just concluded two major projects aimed at strengthening its pack for next season. Among these significant additions, the Hérault club has secured Welsh international second row Adam Beard, who brings his impressive experience with 58 caps to the team and will be under contract for the next three seasons. Beard, aged 28, earned accolades during the British Lions tour in 2021 and is recognized worldwide for his exceptional skill as a sideline specialist. His imposing stature at 2.03 m and 121 kg, combined with his remarkable mobility, allows him to dominate the field, and he has stepped up to fill the void left by rugby legend Alun-Wyn Jones in a revitalized Welsh squad where he serves as one of the captains.
Another noteworthy addition to the Montpellier Hérault Rugby (MHR) lineup is New Zealand hooker Ricky Riccitelli, who at 29 years old has agreed to join the club. Although he hasn’t been selected for the prestigious All Blacks, Riccitelli boasts an impressive record in Super Rugby, with 14 tries in just 39 matches for the Auckland Blues, showcasing his attacking prowess. This strategic recruitment reflects Montpellier’s ambition to bolster its front row and enhance competitiveness in the upcoming season.
Leicester in the dance for Byrne
As Montpellier continues to refine its roster for the 2025-2026 season, the recent signings of English center Lennox Anyanwu from Harlequins and Racing 92’s winger Donovan Taofifenua highlight an aggressive approach in the player market. Key positions that remain a priority for the MHR are the scrum half and flyhalf roles, particularly with the confirmed departure of Cobus Reinach to the Stormers. The club is actively searching for a successor of international caliber to take over from the experienced South African player, with Herschel Jantjies still in the mix as a strong candidate.
In addition, the chase for a top-tier opener has brought Ross Byrne into focus. The 29-year-old Irish international, with 22 caps, is regarded as the third choice in the flyhalf hierarchy for the national team. Though his name has resurfaced in connection with Clermont, Montpellier faces competition from Leicester, who are keen on securing his talents amidst uncertainty over the future of their former player Handre Pollard. Meanwhile, Leinster is determined to retain Byrne, although they confront stiff internal competition for the number 10 jersey. The situation is dynamic, and further developments in these negotiations will be closely monitored.
**Interview with Rugby Expert John Smith on Montpellier’s Recent Signings**
**Interviewer:** Welcome, John! Exciting times for Montpellier Hérault Rugby as they bolster their pack with new signings. What are your thoughts on the acquisitions of Adam Beard and Ricky Riccitelli?
**John Smith:** Thanks for having me! It’s a pivotal moment for Montpellier. Adam Beard is a fantastic addition; his experience as a British Lion speaks volumes about his talent and ability on the field. He’s not only strong at 2.03 meters but also quite mobile for a second row, and his skills in the sideline setup are crucial. He’ll definitely fill the shoes of Alun-Wyn Jones in the Welsh setup and bring leadership to Montpellier.
**Interviewer:** And what can you tell us about Ricky Riccitelli? How does he fit into Montpellier’s plans?
**John Smith:** Riccitelli might not have the All Blacks cap, but don’t underestimate his prowess. He’s made quite an impression in Super Rugby with a solid record of 14 tries in 39 matches. His aggressive playing style and experience in the position will add depth to the hooker role within the pack. The combination of Beard and Riccitelli could create a dynamic duo that challenges other teams physically.
**Interviewer:** Montpellier seems to be very active in the transfer market. Do you see them making more moves as they look to finalize their squad for the 2025-2026 season?
**John Smith:** Absolutely! They’re definitely on the hunt for a scrum-half and flyhalf to solidify their lineup. With Cobus Reinach leaving, they’ll need a player of international caliber to step in. Herschel Jantjies is a name that’s been floated around and could be a great fit. Additionally, they need to keep an eye on Ross Byrne, who could potentially fill that flyhalf role. The competition for his signature is heating up, especially with Leicester circling.
**Interviewer:** It seems like there’s a lot of pressure to successfully integrate these players quickly, doesn’t it?
**John Smith:** Yes, cohesion is key! With all the changes, the coaching staff will need to ensure that new players gel well with existing teammates. The chemistry on and off the pitch can make or break a season, and with seasoned players like Beard and Riccitelli, they should establish a strong foundation. But, adapting to the French league, which has its unique style of play, could take some time.
**Interviewer:** Looking forward, do you think Montpellier can challenge for top honors with this revamped squad?
**John Smith:** With the right players in key positions, they certainly have the potential to be competitive. However, it all depends on how well the new signings assimilate and how the remaining pieces of the puzzle fit together. It’s shaping up to be an exciting season, and fans will be keenly watching how it all unfolds!
**Interviewer:** Thanks, John! We appreciate your insights and can’t wait to see how Montpellier performs next season.
**John Smith:** My pleasure! Rugby fans are in for a thrilling ride, that’s for sure.
