European Cup record

The 2016 Challenge Cup winners have only reached the last eight of Europe’s elite club competition on one occasion, back in 2013. On that occasion they were beaten 36-14 at fellow French side and eventual finalists ASM Clermont Auvergne.

Last season

Montpellier could only finish third in Heineken Champions Cup Pool 5 last season, behind Toulouse and Gloucester Rugby with 10 points. The French region won two matches, against Gloucester in Round 2 (30-27) and Connacht on matchday 6 (35-29).

Director of Rugby

Philippe Saint-André officially took up the role of director of rugby at Montpellier in March 2020, taking over from Vern Cotter. He was previously the France head coach as well as having spells in Gloucester and Sale where he won the Challenge Cup (2005) and Premiership title (2006). He then joined RC Toulon before becoming coach of the French national team from 2011 to 2015.

Key players

Montpellier has several world-class players in the ranks including former Springbok hooker Bismarck du Plessis, second row Paul Willemse, No.8 Louis Picamoles, South African fly-half Handré Pollard and full-back Anthony Bouthier.

Pool opponents

Montpellier will take on Leinster Rugby and Wasps in Heineken Champions Cup Pool 1. The French side faced the Irish province in the 2016/17 pool stage and won their first match (22-16) before being beaten in the reverse fixture. They also met in 2017/18, with Leinster winning both fixtures.

Montpellier have made several Heineken Champions Cup appearances in recent seasons and will no doubt be bidding for a deep run in Europe this season, having only reached the knockout stages on one occasion.