In the fall of 2022, when Matthieu Jalibert seemed inclined to change air, notably with a visit to Toulon, the number 10 market in France was much more open. Since then, the majority of clubs have locked down this crucial position.
Most of the big teams likely to welcome a player of Matthieu Jalibert’s caliber are now equipped in this position. Stade Rochelais has just extended Antoine Hastoy (2029) and Hugo Reus (2026). The same goes for Léo Berdeu at LOU (2027). Stade Français has recruited Louis Carbonel (2027) and Racing 92 has acquired Owen Farrell (2026). Finally, Toulouse wins with Romain Ntamack, who is under contract until 2028.
Open days in Toulon, Clermont and Montpellier
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Rugby Club Toulonnais will have a free spot, or even two, next summer since Dan Biggar and Enzo Hervé will be out of contract in June 2025, while Paolo Garbisi is tied until 2027. But RCT has little room for maneuver in its salary cap to recruit an additional top ten such as Jalibert.
Clermont is looking for a fly-half for next season. Benjamin Urdapilleta and Anthony Belleau will be at the end of their contracts. ASM has the finances to attract a big name, but has lost its sporting brilliance. The last participation in the final phase of the Top 14 dates back to the 2020-2021 season (defeat in the play-offs against UBB).
Montpellier remains. After the departures of Paolo Garbisi to Toulon, Louis Carbonel and Louis Foursans-Bourdette, both to Stade Français, and despite the recruitment of Domingo Miotti (Oyonnax), the MHR wants to strengthen itself in this strategic position. The Hérault leaders are also trying to poach Mateo Garcia from Bordeaux-Bègles. President Altrad, always inclined to take out his checkbook, nevertheless risks being slowed down by the sporting situation of his club, saved in extremis last year during the access match (20-18 against Grenoble).
French fly-half
The Shift in France’s Number 10 Market: Matthieu Jalibert’s Options
In the fall of 2022, Matthieu Jalibert, a talented French rugby player, seemed inclined to change teams, sparking interest from clubs like Toulon. At that time, the number 10 market in France was wide open, with many top clubs searching for a player of Jalibert’s caliber. However, since then, the majority of these clubs have secured their fly-half positions, leaving limited options for Jalibert.
Big Teams Lock Down their Fly-Halves
Stade Rochelais has extended the contracts of Antoine Hastoy until 2029 and Hugo Reus until 2026. Similarly, LOU has secured Léo Berdeu’s services until 2027. Stade Français has recruited Louis Carbonel, also until 2027, while Racing 92 has acquired Owen Farrell until 2026. Toulouse has Romain Ntamack under contract until 2028, leaving these top teams well-equipped at the number 10 position.
Openings in Toulon, Clermont, and Montpellier
However, there are still some opportunities available for Jalibert. Rugby Club Toulonnais will have a free spot, or even two, next summer when Dan Biggar and Enzo Hervé’s contracts expire in June 2025. Although Paolo Garbisi is tied until 2027, RCT has limited room to maneuver in its salary cap to recruit an additional top ten like Jalibert [[3]].
Clermont is actively searching for a fly-half for next season, as Benjamin Urdapilleta and Anthony Belleau’s contracts will soon expire. ASM has the financial resources to attract a big name, but the team has struggled to regain its sporting brilliance, with its last participation in the final phase of the Top 14 dating back to the 2020-2021 season.
Montpellier is another club that may be interested in Jalibert’s services. Although not explicitly mentioned, the club may be looking to strengthen its squad and could be a potential destination for the French rugby player.
Jalibert’s Profile
Matthieu Jalibert, born on November 6, 1998, in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, France, is a 1.84m tall and 86kg heavy fly-half playing for Bordeaux Bègles [[2]]. He is known for his skill and versatility on the field, making him an attractive option for top clubs.
Conclusion
while the number 10 market in France was once open to Jalibert, many top clubs have since secured their fly-half positions. However, opportunities still exist in Toulon, Clermont, and potentially Montpellier. Jalibert’s next move will be closely watched, as he navigates the French rugby landscape in search of his next challenge.
The Shift in France’s Number 10 Market: Matthieu Jalibert’s Options
In the fall of 2022, Matthieu Jalibert, a talented French rugby player, seemed inclined to change teams, sparking interest from clubs like Toulon. At that time, the number 10 market in France was wide open, with many top clubs searching for a player of Jalibert’s caliber. However, since then, the majority of these clubs have secured their fly-half positions, leaving limited options for Jalibert.
Big Teams Lock Down their Fly-Halves
Stade Rochelais has extended the contracts of Antoine Hastoy until 2029 and Hugo Reus until 2026. Similarly, LOU has secured Léo Berdeu’s services until 2027. Stade Français has recruited Louis Carbonel, also until 2027, while Racing 92 has acquired Owen Farrell until 2026. Toulouse has Romain Ntamack under contract until 202
