Montpellier Hérault Rugby will be without key player Yvan Nouchi for their Top 14 match against Stade Rochelais on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at Stade Marcel Deflandre, according to reports published Friday.
The team, however, will feature the players who secured a victory against Stade Français last week, a 44-7 win, manager Joan Caudullo has confirmed. This decision indicates a vote of confidence in the lineup that delivered a dominant performance in their previous outing.
Currently fourth in the Top 14 standings with 44 points, Montpellier aims to continue its positive momentum against a La Rochelle side currently ranked 10th with 37 points. La Rochelle has been struggling, experiencing four consecutive defeats across all competitions, including an elimination from the Champions Cup.
The match is scheduled for 4:35 PM local time and will be broadcast on Canal+ Live 5, as part of a multiplex broadcast.
Montpellier previously defeated La Rochelle 37-13 in an earlier match this season. Bookmakers currently favor Montpellier to win Saturday’s contest.
The Montpellier starting XV includes Banks, Ngandebe, Cadot, Anyanwu, and Moustin in the backline, with Miotti and Price forming the half-back partnership. The forward pack features Veraeghe, Vunipola (captain), and Becognée, alongside Chalureau, Duguid, Hounkpatin, Uelese, and Forletta. Replacements include Tolofua, Erdocio, Tauleigne, Masibaka, Coly, Vincent, D. Taofifenua, and Haouas.
La Rochelle’s lineup consists of Pacome, Nowel, Niniashvili, Seuteni, and Leyds in the backs, with West and Berjon at half-back. The forwards include Veivuke, Alldritt (captain), and Fraindt, alongside Boudehent, Kante Samba, Sorin, Bourgarit, and Penverne. Their replacements are Sutidze, Sclavi, Huchet, Ndisseramatci, Le Garrec, Hastoy, Seguret, and Kuntelia.
