French international Benjamin Fall exits Montpellier after 'complicated' final season

Former French international Benjamin Fall is leaving Montpellier after six seasons with the Top 14 side. Having signed in 2014, Fall represented the light blues 99 times and scored 16 tries. The 31-year-old was also capped 14 times by France in a career that spanned 2010 to 2018.

He wished Montpellier the best in an emotional statement.

“I wanted to thank from the bottom of my heart the MHR club, the president, the players, the staff, the various coaches, assistants, the intendants, the physiotherapists, the doctors, the stewards, the people of the back office, the cook, the coaches of the young categories, the volunteers, the supporters, the physical trainers, the staff of the brewery … Jen surely forgets but a thousand thanks for everything.

“I have forged links with a lot of people in this club, in this city and to end up like that is a real heartbreak. But it is the life of a professional sportsman.

Bryan Habana breaks down the 2nd Lions Test in 2009

Bryan Habana breaks down the 2nd Lions Test in 2009

“I will have a word for each of the people I have come into contact with in this club during these 6 years which have been exceptional, rich in learning, positive or negative emotions, questioning, sharing, of laugh res, crying, doubts, advice etc … I have never cheated, always given everything for this club. I hope I have demonstrated it. I came to Montpellier to win titles and to make the French team, things have been achieved and others not.”

“I had promised myself to become champion of France with this club but this failure will remain in my throat. I wish the best for the club in the future and take down the precious shield that we have been able to touch during the 2018-2019 season. I hope I have left a good image despite this complicated last season.”

Fall’s career to date has had its fair share of injuries. Earlier in the week the former president of one of Fall’s former clubs, Bayonne’s Alain Afflelou, told Mid Olympique he was happy to let Fall go to Racing for “€400,00”, due to what he saw as the back’s propensity to get injured.

“In 2010, we had this young winger, Benjamin Fall, who had qualities. Racing got on it. Francis Salagoïty came to me and said to me: “What are we doing? Do we increase it? I replied, “This guy makes you six games a year. When he is not injured, he is in the France team. We will take the 400,000 euros from Racing and let it go. For him, and I regret it, the bad series continued in the Hauts-de-Seine and then in Montpellier.”