Mont de Marsan Rugby: Injury Updates & Massé’s Move to Brive

Mont-de-Marsan, France – Stade Montois Rugby faces a challenging end to the Pro D2 season, navigating a series of player injuries and looking ahead to potential squad changes. The club is currently contending with a significant injury list, while simultaneously preparing for potential contract extensions and player departures, including the possible move of Gatien Massé to Brive.

The Landes-based club is currently without several key players. According to reports, Jules Dussutour is sidelined with a back injury, with the duration of his absence currently unknown. Lagrange is undergoing rehabilitation for a back issue, while De Nardi is deemed unfit due to a calf strain. Berthaud continues to struggle with a hand injury. The team is likewise managing the availability of young pilier Bats, who was absent from training on Wednesday due to school exams, and Ezcurra, who is awaiting the birth of his child. Tuifua was also preserved during Wednesday’s training session, suggesting he is being managed carefully ahead of upcoming matches.

Player Departures and Potential Arrivals

Amidst the challenges on the pitch, Stade Montois is also navigating the transfer market. Recent reports indicate that Gatien Massé is poised to join Brive for the next two seasons, following 69 appearances (and 16 tries) in three years with the club. Rugbyrama first reported the potential move. Massé’s departure follows those of Iashagashvili to Vannes and Bento to Colomiers, signaling a period of transition for the Montois squad.

Contract Extensions on the Horizon

Despite the departures, Stade Montois is actively working to secure the futures of key players. Discussions are reportedly progressing well with Loustalot, Robic, and R. Darquier regarding contract extensions. However, these extensions are contingent upon the team maintaining its position in Pro D2 at the end of the season. The club’s performance in the remaining matches will therefore be crucial in determining the composition of the squad for the 2026-2027 season.

Stade Montois Rugby: A Historical Overview

Founded in 1908, Stade Montois Rugby has a rich history in French rugby union. Currently competing in Pro D2, the second tier of the country’s professional league system, the club has experienced periods of success and challenge throughout its existence. The team plays its home matches at the Stade André et Guy Boniface, which has a capacity of 16,800 spectators. The club’s colors are yellow and black, earning them the nickname “Les Abeilles” (The Bees). According to Wikipedia, the club has reached the top of French club rugby four times in 15 years, winning the French championship in 1963 against US Dax.

The Stade Montois has faced relegation battles in recent years, most notably in the 2008-09 season after being promoted to the Top 14. They subsequently navigated the Pro D2 promotion playoffs in 2012 to return to the top tier. The club has a strong connection to the Boniface brothers, André and Guy, who tragically died in a car accident in 1968. Other notable players associated with the club include Thomas Castaignède, Christian Darrouy, Benoît Dauga, and Laurent Rodriguez.

Recent Match Activity and Pro D2 Standings

On November 7, 2025, Stade Montois faced CA Brive in a Pro D2 match. Getty Images captured a moment during the match featuring Jules Dussutour of Stade Montois and Retief Marais of Brive. As of the latest available information, Stade Montois finished 13th in the 2024-25 Pro D2 season. The team’s current performance and injury situation will be critical as they strive to improve their standing in the league and secure their place in Pro D2 for the following season.

The coming weeks will be pivotal for Stade Montois Rugby. The team must overcome its injury challenges, navigate potential player departures, and secure crucial contract extensions to ensure a competitive future. The club’s ability to maintain its Pro D2 status will undoubtedly shape its plans for the seasons to come.

The next key date for Stade Montois will be the announcement of any contract extensions, expected in the coming weeks, and the ongoing monitoring of player recovery timelines. Fans and stakeholders will be closely watching the team’s performance as they push for a strong finish to the Pro D2 season.

What are your thoughts on Stade Montois’s prospects for the remainder of the season? Share your opinions in the comments below, and be sure to share this article with fellow rugby enthusiasts.