Montpellier explain giving troubled Mohamed Haouas 'a second chance’

Mohamed Haouas will return to Montpellier on a one-year deal for the 2024/25 campaign after president Mohed Altrad was impressed by the prop’s rehabilitation season at Biarritz.

It was last year when the 30-year-old had a three-year contract with Clermont ripped up following a court conviction for hitting his wife in public, a judicial decision that also resulted in his omission by France from their Rugby World Cup training squad.

That left the front-rower picking up the pieces of his career at Biarritz in the Pro D2. After 17 starts in his 22 appearances for Olympique in 2023/24, it has now been announced by Montpellier, Haouas’ former club, that they will bring him back for next season.

It was more than two months ago when RugbyPass originally reported this move could happen and a statement has now read: “Montpellier Herault Rugby has officially announced the return of Mohamed Haouas to its squad for next season. Originally from Le Havre, Mohamed began his career as a professional rugby player in Montpellier and recently played for Biarritz Olympique, demonstrating irreproachable behaviour during this period.

“The history between Mohamed Haouas and the MHR is marked by a significant social dimension. Hailing from the Petit Bard district of Montpellier, Mohamed took an unusual path to become a professional rugby player.

"Despite Mohamed's past mistakes, president Mohed Altrad decided to give him a second chance, underlining the club's commitment to social inclusion and rehabilitation.

“Mohamed Haouas will return to the GGL Stadium this summer on a one-year contract, conditional on exemplary behaviour. As part of its commitment to social reintegration, the MHR will provide additional support to Mohamed Haouas off the field, in collaboration with the Centre for the Care of Perpetrators of Domestic Violence.”

Haouas, who said he was determined to seize this opportunity to reintegrate into society and contribute positively to his community, added: "I would like to thank the MHR and president Mohed Altrad for reaching out to me and offering me a new chance where many have turned their backs on me.

“I owe him a lot of this club and today I feel ready to give back everything he has given me. I have already taken steps, with the help of the club, with an association in Montpellier which will help me to work on myself and on the gestures that I have been able to make and that I regret.

“I am grateful for this opportunity and I will give everything, on and off the pitch, to prove those who trusted me right when I needed it most.”