Montpellier 2010/11 preview

Montpellier are targeting Heineken Cup qualification this season.

Heineken Cup qualification the target this season

Montpellier endured a disappointing 2009/10 season with a couple of big wins at home providing a silver lining to their 10th-placed finish. The off-season has not been great for the club, though, as internal friction resulted in the entire board resigning and the election of a new president. Heineken Cup qualification remains the club's goal, but it's doubtful that Montpellier have the squad to rival those in the top half of the pecking order. Consistency has been a problem for some time now and will remain so unless they learn how to travel. With still a relatively young squad, there is plenty of room for improvement.

Coach

Former Stade Français coach Fabien Galthié and former Abli boss Éric Béchu bring with them a wealth of experience. The long-time friends have been tasked with taking the clubs' development to the next step but will need a few months to before their influence can truly be judged.

Captain

Now an experienced international, Fulgence Ouedraogo has developed into a true leader. Born in Burkina Faso, the 24-year-old flank has played his whole career at Montpellier, racking up 71 caps for his club.

One to watch

Like the rest of the team, fly-half François Trinh-Duc needs to become a more regular performer. An undeniable talent, France's top No.10, who can also play centre, will also have to work on his place kicking since the departure of Federico Todeschini

Home ground

Stade Yves du Manoir holds 15,000 and was the first rugby-specific stadium built in France since the game turned professional. An impressive example of modern architecture, it was opened in June 2007, just in time for the World Cup. It's four grandstands are named after famous rugby stadiums around the world (Eden Park, Ellis Park, Murrayfield and Twickenham.)

Transfers

In: Eric Béchu (Albi, coach), Fabien Galthié (coach), Santiago Fernandez (Hindu Club), Giorgi Jgenti (Oyonnax), Raphaël Lagarde (Bordeaux-Bègles), Aliki Fakate (Lyon), Timoci Nagusa (Ulster), Sébastien Chobet (Perpignan)
Out:: Olivier Sarraméa (Retired), Frederico Todeschini (Retired), Manoël Dall'Igna (La Rochelle), Thierry Brana (Toulon), Alister Campbell (Melbourne Rebels), Eugene Van Staden (Sharks)