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Former Wallaby Jesse Mogg returns to Top 14 in unique role
By Josh Raisey
Former Australia fullback Jesse Mogg has returned to his former club Montpellier to take on the role of 'Capsule Graine de Cistes'.
The position will see the 35-year-old bridge the gap between Montpellier's senior squad and their academy.
The three-cap Wallaby spent three seasons at Montpellier between 2015 and 2018 before joining their Top 14 rivals Pau.
During his time at the GGL Stadium, the Australian won the European Challenge Cup in 2016, starting on the bench against Harlequins in the final.
Mogg spent a further three years with Pau before returning to the Brumbies in 2021 to see out the final two years of his career.
Speaking to Montpellier, Mogg described how the 'Capsule Graine de Cistes' (translated as 'Cistus Seed Capsule') works.
"It is a group of 13 players from the training centre fully integrated into the professional group," he said (translated by Google).
"The idea came from the observation that in previous seasons, there were many players 'shuttled' between pros and hopefuls, which sometimes made the organisation complicated.
"Now, these players are always available for the senior team, it is a comfort of work for everyone. The goal is to make them progress individually by participating in the first team's training, but these players will remain at the service of the academy team.
"I play a role of transmission between Joan Caudullo (head coach) and Damien Florio (academy coach). The goal is to be as efficient as possible in the relations between senior team and the academy.
"Every Monday during the season, the three of us will take stock to determine the needs of the professional team and those of the academy. Depending on this, each player in the Capsule will benefit from an individualised program.
"Jérémy Nugeyre, our physical trainer, will ensure their follow-up while I will take care of individual technique, in collaboration with the members of the staff. The rest of the time, I will supervise the performances of "my" players when they play in academy or in Top 14."
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Latest Comments
Nah hes a journeyman. Right call
Go to commentsAgreed for the most part. And perhaps Dmac needed a period were he is the 'Hobson's choice' too.
Yes and no, they main concern I had from the situation is Razor didn't really explain why they had developed differing opinions, had he? I've seen too many things happen in life to jump the gun. Fall all we know it was a locked in choice before they found the difference last year and played out this year to see if they were recoverable. I can certainly see where it would be a valid criticism to suggest he spent too much time reviewing his players tripping overseas and not enough work with his team at that time. But things like Tony Brown not even being contacted in the lead up to the naming of the squad are endemic in the union, and for much just as much blame should be laid on someone like Wayne Smith. Some like Mitch would have been aval at the same time too I'd think.
Ultimately I see MacDs time at the Blues much as I saw Ian Fosters time at the Chiefs. Heavily overshadowed by their successors but you could find something good in there if you wanted. Same here. This will play out.
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