White wields the axe at Montpellier

Cape Town - Montpellier, coached by former Springbok and Sharks mentor Jake White, have announced that 19 players will leave the club at the end of the season, including former All Black Rene Ranger and ex-Springbok Wynand Olivier.

According to the Planet Rugby website, Ranger is set to return to New Zealand with the Blues in next season's Super Rugby.

There is already a large South African contingent at Montpellier.

Shaun Sowerby is White's assistant coach, while Pat Cilliers (prop) and Robert Ebersohn (centre) already ply their trade there.

Other South Africans soon to join include Jacobie Adriaanse (Llanelli Scarlets, prop), Schalk van der Merwe (Lions, prop), Demetri Catrakilis (Stormers, flyhalf), Jacques du Plessis (Bulls, loose forward/lock), Cameron Wright (Sharks, scrumhalf/flyhalf) and Wiaan Liebenberg (Bulls, loose forward).

White has made a number of signings from the Brumbies, a side he previously coached, for next season, including Nic White and Jesse Mogg.

White will be looking for a better return next season after the club finished outside the playoffs (eighth spot) and Champions Cup places in the league.

Montpellier departures: 

Yohann Artru, David Attoub, Thomas Bianchin, Alexandre Bias, Maximiliano Bustos, Lucas Dupont, Teddy Iribaren, Chris King, Na'ama Leleimalefaga, Nahuel Lobo, Wynand Olivier, Jonathan Pélissié, Fred Quercy, Rene Ranger, Enzo Selponi, Benoît Sicart, Alex Tulou, Samisoni Viriviri, Albert Vulivuli