MHR: Claude Atcher in discussion with Montpellier for a potential helping hand on the marketing and sales side

Claude Atcher était à Montpellier la semaine dernière. Midi Libre – MICHAEL ESDOURRUBAILH

Businessman Claude Atcher (68 years old) was in Montpellier last week, in the MHR offices, to discuss promoting the club.

His large frame did not escape certain observers last weekend, during the MHR's victory against Union Bordeaux-Bègles (10-3). Claude Atcherwas in the stands to attend the meeting this Saturday March 9. During the week, the former third row who passed through Nîmes in the 80s was in the club's offices to discuss marketing and commercial matters, confirming information from the newspaper Le Parisien. A sort of small audit was carried out.

Discussions for "lending a helping hand" in the future are ongoing. But nothing has been done. His proximity to Bernard Laporte, current director of rugby at the MHR, would have nothing to do with his presence, we assure internally.

Businessman

During an interview in Midi Libre this Monday March 11 to discuss club news, a question was asked to Bernard Laporte on this subject. The former coach of the XV of France confirmed the arrival of Atcher last week in Montpellier. But that the presence of the latter was punctual and that it was indeed the marketing and sales part which had used his services, and not him.

Claude Atcher, former player of Racing 92 in particular, is a businessman. In recent months, he was in the eye of the storm after an investigation revealed by L'Equipe in the summer of 2022. An investigation which led to his dismissal from the general management of the Rugby World Cup in France.

Also read: Rugby: former RC Nîmes, at the heart of the Altrad-Laporte trial… who is Claude Atcher, fired from France 2023

The report of the ethics committee of the GIP (Public Interest Group) France 2023 had put forward " alarming managerial practices altering the functioning of the structure" and related "the state of suffering of a certain number of collaborators".