Summer Drought Destroys Turf Roots
The decision comes after a challenging start to the domestic rugby season for MHR, whose home turf has suffered from extreme pitch deterioration.
According to Rugbyrama, warm weather and drought conditions over the summer severely compromised the turf’s root system before the initial rounds of the campaign could even get underway.
Manager Blasts Catastrophic Conditions
Following a 27-19 home defeat to Pau in the opening round, Montpellier manager Joan Caudullo did not mince words about the playing surface.
According to Rugbyrama, Caudullo described the pitch as catastrophic, noting that the poor conditions significantly hindered the quality of play for both competing squads.
Safety Warnings and Final Blow Against Perpignan
Despite ongoing concerns and warnings from the Ligue Nationale de Rugby—which reportedly flagged the venue as a potential safety risk for players—Montpellier managed to host Perpignan at the Septeo Stadium.
While MHR secured a convincing 50-13 victory in that fixture, the physical toll on the grass left the surface in an unplayable state by the final whistle.
Stade de la Mosson Steps In for Toulon Clash
Rather than waiting for a formal ban or prohibition from tournament organizers, club officials opted to be proactive.
The match against Toulon, scheduled for October 4, will now take place at the Stade de la Mosson, the traditional home ground of football club Montpellier Hérault SC. The rugby club is no stranger to the venue, having previously hosted a European Cup fixture against Leinster there in 2011.
Weighing Hybrid Turf After Failed Renovation
To help players adjust to the temporary home, coaching staff plan to hold a training run at the venue the day before kickoff.
Meanwhile, local authorities and stadium management are exploring long-term remedies for the Septeo Stadium surface. Following an initial pitch renovation project carried out in the summer of 2025 at an estimated cost of 500,000 euros, stakeholders are now weighing the installation of a hybrid turf system to ensure the team can return to its regular home in the coming weeks.
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