“We have a project for him”, Montpellier formalizes the return of pillar Mohamed Haouas, a year after his departure

Mohamed Haouas va quitter Biarritz pour retrouver le maillot du MHR la saison prochaine. Midi Libre – JEAN-MICHEL MART

Un an après avoir quitté le club pour Biarritz, sur fond de condamnation pour violences conjugales, le pilier droit Mohamed Haouas fera son retour dans son club formateur la saison prochaine. Un retour conditionné à un projet social.

"Mohamed Haouas is a social case. We have a plan for him. We want to support him, help him put him on the right path. Even more than in the past. And sportingly, we need it", this is how President Mohed Altrad justified the return of the right pillar in an interview with Midi Libre.

It’s now done. The international right pillar (29 years old, 16 caps) will join his training club at the end of this season, after a season in Pro D2, in Biarritz. In difficulty in the scrum sector since the start of the season, the MHR will find a solid element and a sure value in this area. But this will also be linked to a social project with the player.

"The story between Mohamed Haouas and the MHR is marked by a significant social dimension. Coming from the Petit Bard district of Montpellier, Mohamed followed an unusual path to become a professional rugby player. Despite Mohamed's past mistakes, President Mohed Altrad decided to give him a second chance, underscoring the club's commitment to social inclusion and rehabilitation, explains the club in a press release.

Social actions

Indeed, the latter, sentenced to one year in prison for domestic violence against his wife on May 30, 2023, will have to participate in actions linked to the perpetrators' care center of domestic violence (CPCA) which raises awareness among men perpetrators of domestic violence.

"Mohamed Haouas will return to GGL Stadium this summer with a one-season contract, conditional on exemplary behavior. As part of its commitment to social reintegration, the MHR will provide additional support to Mohamed Haouas off the field, collaborating with the Center for the Support of Authors of Domestic Violence (CPCA South Occitanie)", continues the MHR.

Outstretched hand

From the first days of the violence affair, the president of the MHR, Mohed Altrad had explained that he would not "let it go& quot; the player. "I would have found the idea of ​​turning away from Mohamed because he had made a mistake, of continuing on my way by washing my hands" scandalous , announced Mohed Altrad while condemning the facts and providing his full support to the player's wife.

"I would like to thank the MHR and President Mohed Altrad for reaching out to me and offering me some news luck where many have turned their backs on me. I owe this club a lot and today I feel ready to give back everything he gave 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 am developing. rsquo;I was able to do and that I regret. I am grateful for this opportunity and I will give everything, on and off the field, to vindicate those who trusted me when I needed it most. quot;, assures the player.

Also read: MHR transfer window: Joshua Moorby signed with Montpellier, Antoine Frisch declined and Mako Vunipola failed

On a sporting level, the arrival of Mohamed Haouas joins that of the English third row Billy Vunipola or the New Zealand fullback Josh Moorby.