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

L'arrière néo-zélandais Joshua Moorby se serait engagé avec Montpellier. NZRFU

The MHR will register the arrival of Joshua Moorby, New Zealand fullback, next season. The Montpellier management is now looking for a left pillar.

Billy Vunipola, premiere "star"– expression used by Bernard Laporte –  registered by the MHR. That’s been confirmed. But will it be the last of the Montpellier transfer window ? Billy's brother, Mako, left pillar and also an English international (33 years old, 79 caps), was offered to Montpellier. The club declined the offer. The latter is working hard to recruit an international-level left pillar. The MHR has made it its priority.

On the other hand, according to our information, the New Zealand fullback Joshua Moorby has given his agreement to join the ;Hérault next season.

The track, mentioned by Midi Olympique, concluded positively. The Hurricanes player  (25 years old, 1.88m, 99kg) is international with the Maori All Blacks and is renowned for his fiery support. He will notably compete with Anthony Bouthier next season. In 31 Super Rugby matches, he scored 18 tries. New All Blacks coach Scott Robertson reportedly tried to retain him.

Antoine Frisch said no

Among the "stars" sought by the management of the MHR, the club would have suffered several refusals. The latest: the Antoine Frisch center. The Franco-Irishman, 27, is a starter at Munster. Fabien Galthié, coach of the XV of France, follows him closely. 

Frisch attracts the eye of several French clubs. Montpellier had positioned itself. In vain. According to Midi Olympique, Toulon and La Rochelle hold the lead.

Also read: MHR: center Thomas Darmon tracked by Perpignan for next season

In recent weeks, Toulouse hooker Peato Mauvaka or centers Waisea Nayacalevu (Toulon, Fijian) and Huw Jones (Glasgow, Scottish) have been surveyed. Here too, the tracks yielded nothing. 

"All Jiff (players from French training) stars are taken" , confides Mohed Altrad, president of Montpellier Hérault Rugby.