Already very solid, Montpellier’s pack will be even more so next season. According to L’Equipe, international prop Reda Wardi (30, 18 caps) will indeed be joining MHR next season.

The outlet adds that the loosehead was under contract with La Rochelle until 2028. But an agreement has been reached to release him.

A hugely powerful front row

It is also a return to his roots for Wardi. Born in Montpellier, he completed his development there before moving to Béziers to turn professional. MHR have therefore pulled off a very good piece of business ahead of next season. The La Rochelle man will replace Enzo Forletta in the numbers, with the latter heading back to Perpignan.

With Hounkpatin, Erdocio, Japaridze, Tolofua, Uelese and the hugely promising Welsch – and that is without counting some seriously heavyweight locks and back-rowers – the side coached by Joan Caudullo should not be losing any quality among their forwards next season.