Montpellier reportedly intent on signing All Black and Irish international

Top 14 outfit Montpellier are reported to be looking to bolster its squad at the end of this season, with two big targets being named.

Currently sitting in 12th position on the overall log, one season removed from surviving relegation when they finished in 13th position, the 2022 champions are looking to work their way back to relevance.

According to reports in the French outlet Midi Olympique, Montpellier is looking for a new halfback partnership to bolster its squad’s depth. Springbok scrumhalf Cobus Reinach and Argentinean flyhalf Domingo Miotti currently lead the team in the positions.

All Blacks Rugby World Cup members Finlay Christie and Irish international Ross Byrne are the players identified as the targets to join the squad.

Christie, who currently plays for the Crusaders in Super Rugby, featured twice for the All Blacks in their two-test series against England but was subsequently dropped for The Rugby Championship.

Discussing his Christie’s non-selection for the championship, Robertson said, “I want to address with Fin what he’s done over a period of time with us in the environment and on the field; he’s been great.

“My job is to create opportunities for men, to create competition, to have different age groups come in and create competition, and that’s what those two young halfbacks have done.

“Cortez is a Test footballer; he raises to the occasion. Noah took his opportunity. Fin’s in next if anything should happen, he could be in next week.

“We just want him to go and get that intuitive style game that he can play at NPC and be ready to become an All Black at any time when needed.”

Should Christie decide to join the Top 14 club, it would rule him out of being featured for the All Blacks.

Byrne, following a run as first-choice flyhalf following injury and then retirement by Johnny Sexton, now faces stiff competition for the number ten shirt with Leinster.

Currently on the Leinster books in the position are Ireland internationals Ciaran Frawley, Ross’s brother Harry Byrne, and former U20 star Sam Prendergast.

If early-season selections are an indicator, the Leinster coaching staff looks set to back Frawley as their first choice for this season, while Prendergast appears to be the future of the position.

This situation, combined with stiff competition in the Irish set up, could be enough to see Byrne make the move to the Top 14 outfit.