After securing a Top14 spot, Montpellier promotes Caudullo to coach

NEWS: Billionaire-backed French club Montpellier promoted their former hooker Joan Caudullo on Tuesday to replace coach Patrice Collazo, who was relieved of his duties the day before.

The 42-year-old Caudullo, who was in charge of the training centre, will have two other former Montpellier stalwarts as assistants. Former scrumhalf Benoit Paillaugue joined the coaching staff at the end of 2023, and former center Geoffrey Doumayrou ended his career on Sunday as the club reached a play-off to retain their top spot.

“The staff consists of Montpellierains. Joan Caudullo will be the head coach, it is a big challenge,” club chairman and owner Mohed Altrad told a press conference.

Collazo, who took over in November, could not keep the club out of the bottom two of the Top 14 but guided them to a 20-18 win in the relegation play-off in Grenoble on Sunday.

Altrad also confirmed the arrivals next season of Scotland international Stuart Hogg, Congolese winger Madosh Tambwe from Bordeaux-Begles, and the return of international prop Mohamed Haouas, who is facing legal problems, from second division Biarritz.

Disgraced former French Rugby Federation president Bernard Laporte, who was once tipped to become deputy chairman, will retain his position as director of rugby, which he has held since November 19.

“He is not here to coach, but to contribute his considerable experience,” Altrad said.

Montpellier’s squad includes two-time World Cup winner Cobus Reinach and All Blacks wing George Bridge.

The southern team have been linked to former England strikers Mako and Billy Vunipola for next season.