At the Night of Rugby, the third row from Montpellier, who won the French championship in June, was chosen as the best player in the tournament. They were chosen as the best player in the championship ahead of the Toulouse scrum-half.
A most logical coronation. During Rugby Night, which took place at the Olympia on Monday, the participant vote resulted in Zach Mercer, the third-line center for Montpellier, being selected as the best player in the Top 14 for the 2021-2022 season. An eventually sensible option as the Englishman breezed through the last exercise, and as icing on the cake, Montpellier Hérault Rugby raised the first shield of Brennus in a match against Castres Olympique on June 25th. A contest that the English international, who had two options, had breezed through in front of his group.
“He is generous to us. He is a constructive member of the team who makes constant progress. He makes us gain meters, he breaks tackles. He possesses a high level of intelligence, and we have had the pleasure of witnessing his prowess on the field this year. His colleague, the international rear of the MHR, Anthony Bouthier, had met him and said, “He is one of the best numbers 8, not only in Top 14 but also in the world.”
Philippe Saint-André, the manager of Montpellier and an expert on the English championship (he won the title with Sale and reported on the Premiership on RMC), was the one responsible for his move to Hérault. Philippe Saint-André is also the one responsible for his entrance into Hérault. “I want to express my gratitude to Mohed Altrad, the company’s president because he was a complete unknown. I said to him, “Don’t be concerned! You won’t be let down in any way.” I don’t think anyone in the Top 14—players, clubs, or the league itself—is upset about having players like that. He explained.
Rough and dynamic
The former player of Bath, the club where he was trained, was an integral part of the success that the MHR had the previous year. He was a complete third-line player who was both tough and explosive. It didn’t take him long to adjust to the style of play in French rugby, and his number 8 profile is reminiscent of that of former Springbok Pierre Spies and former Bleu Imanol Harinordoquy. From the beginning of his time spent in France, he was decisive and ever-present in the games involving the Hérault.
Since it was initially given out, this trophy has never been given to a player from England; this year, however, that changes (read the list below). A player from Montpellier has been recognized for the second time, following Francois Trinh-Duc in 2011. When was the year that the MHR advanced to the championship game of the Top 14? (defeat against Stade Toulousain).
The competition was between Zach Mercer, Antoine Dupont, and Gregory Alldritt. The scrum-half for Toulouse, who lost to Castres in the semi-finals of the Top 14 tournament, was not as radiant and decisive as he was the year before. Alldritt, who was also defeated by Toulouse, but in a playoff, had the opportunity to win this honorary title. Alldritt was crowned European champion for the first time with Stade Rochelais.
Scottish international at 16
Zach Mercer’s shining moment on the greens of the French tournament will not have lasted for very long. He is currently participating in his second and final season with the MHR because he has made the decision to join Gloucester and the English championship to become eligible once more for the XV de la Rose and to compete for a spot in the English squad that will travel to France to compete in the Cup. of the world 2023.
If the number eight who was born in Leeds were to try out for the England squad today, he would have been eligible to wear the colors of Scotland, which is where he lived when he was eight years old. After that, he was a student at the Glasgow Academy and even represented Scotland at the under-16 level on the world stage. He waited until he was 18 years old before joining Bath, which is often regarded as having the best training facilities in England. A momentary spotlight fell across France just before I arrived here.
A quick route through France, yet one of the passages that are most often noted. “French rugby is a violent sport! He recently revealed that the competition is always highly physical, regardless of where you play or who you play against. You cannot escape. I know it’s bad for my health, but I can’t get enough of it! When you witness the electric atmosphere in the stadiums, it’s impossible not to fall in love with this sport of rugby. During the previous year, the Englishman was able to light up several stadiums.
Ranking of the best players in the Top 14:
2004: Manuel Edmonds (Perpignan)
2005: Yannick Jauzion (Toulouse)
2006: Rupeni Caucaunibuca (Agen)
2007: Juan Martin Hernandez (French Stadium Paris)
2008: Byron Kelleher (Toulouse)
2009: Napolioni Nalaga (Clermont)
2010: Morgan Parra (Clermont)
2011: Francois Trinh-Duc (Montpellier)
2012: Chris Masoe (Castres)
2013: Rory Kockott (Castres)
2014: Matt Giteau (Toulon)
2015: Sergio Parisse (French Stadium Paris)
2016: Johan Goosen (Racing 92)
2017: Victor Vito (Rochelais Stadium)
2018: Benjamin Botica (Oyonnax)
2019: Cheslin Kolbe (Toulouse)
2020: no trophy
2021: Antoine Dupont (Toulouse)
2022: Zach Mercer (Montpellier)
SEE ALSO – Suspicions of favoritism in rugby: the arrival of Bernard Laporte at his trial