“Everyone thinks he's a loser, but it's not true”: Bernard Laporte on the Haouas controversy

During a mid-season interview, Bernard Laporte answered questions about Mohamed Haouas, who was suspended by the MHR management three weeks ago but has since been reinstated in the squad.

The latest Haouas controversy caused a lot of ink to flow. Testing positive for alcohol while driving his car at the beginning of the month, the Montpellier pillar was suspended by his club. He has since been reinstated in the squad.

Asked about the impact of this event on the balance of the squad during a mid-season interview, Bernard Laporte, MHR sports director, responded without batting an eyelid.

Also read: “We are disappointed”: Joan Caudullo, MHR manager, confides in Mohamed Haouas' excesses and announces his sanction

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“No, honestly, it didn't have an impact. When you know the story… But as we said to Momo: “You have no right to anything. You can't do anything. That's how it is. You have to assimilate it into your life”, assures the former coach of the French XV.

He continues: “When I see the affairs that there are in rugby, that some are in prison, and that he makes the front page of the newspapers… I tell myself that there are double standards. But that's how it is, you have to accept it.”

“It apologized”

Laporte insisted on the player's investment since then. “Afterwards, I'm delighted with the guy. He was suspended, he received a financial penalty. He doesn't complain, he came back, apologized, is training… It has to be said. Everyone thinks he's a loser, but that's not true. I'm glad the president made the decision to reinstate him, because he deserves it.”, he adds.

At the right pillar position, the competition is strong. Luka Japaridze and Wilfrid Hounkpatin are one step ahead of Mohamed Haouas in the hierarchy.

As a reminder, Haouas, an international with the French XV (30 years old, 16 selections), has been convicted several times in different cases. Since his return to the MHR after a year in Biarritz, the player has been supported by the club and has participated in several social actions.