Top 14: “I believe in redemption”, Bernard Laporte looks back on the recruitment of Stuart Hogg, Wilfrid Hounkpatin and Mohamed Haouas at MHR

Bernard Laporte lors d’un entraînement du MHR en début de saison. Midi Libre – SYLVIE CAMBON

Le directeur du rugby de Montpellier est revenu sur les critiques concernant le recrutement des trois joueurs, chacun impliqué dans des affaires de violences conjugales. Il s’en explique.

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Each involved in domestic violence cases, Mohamed Haouas, Wilfrid Hounkpatin and Stuart Hogg all signed with the MHR this season. A recruitment that has raised heated controversy within the world of rugby.

Mohamed Haouas, sentenced to one year in prison, convertible in May 2023, and Wilfrid Hounkpatin, sentenced to 12 months suspended for similar acts, have therefore been tried and have served their sentences. Scot Stuart Hogg, who came out of retirement to join the MHR, must appear in court on September 10 in Scotland to answer accusations of violence against his former partner.

“Can we punish you for life?”

“I understand the criticism. But I say is it final when you have committed a fault? Can we punish you for life? I believe in redemption. Fortunately it exists otherwise it would be terrible”, defends the MHR rugby director Bernard Laporte who spoke with the three players.

“When I'm around them, when I live with them, they're three great guys. I don't agree with what they did. Like everyone else, also assures Bernard Laporte. These are people who have regrets. Honestly, I think it's good that the president agrees to give them another chance. I think it's human. But there's no room for error. We know that.”

Montpellier will host Lyon on Saturday, September 7 (4:30 p.m.), for the first day of the Top 14.