Northampton Saints number eight Louis Picamoles is reportedly set to return to France on a central contract with the FFR to join Montpellier.
The 31-year-old has enjoyed an outstanding first season in the Premiership, culminating with his name making the shortlist for the RPA Player of the Season award.
Reports in France are suggesting Montpellier are working on a deal to sign Northampton back row Louis Picamoles. pic.twitter.com/tJpGhC3GzM
— TheRugbyPaper (@TheRugbyPaper) 4 May 2017
According to RMC Sport, Picamoles has two years left on his contract with Northampton but Montpellier owner Mohad Altrad is working on a deal to bring him back to France.
The number eight’s possible move would mark a return to his roots, having left Montpellier back in 2009 to join Toulouse where he made his name as a back-row force in the Top 14 and Champions Cup.
Our #RPA Players' Player of the Year Nominees:
– @elliotdaly
– @owen_faz
– @jimmygopps
– @Picamoleslouis
– @ChristianWade3#RPAAwards17 🌹 pic.twitter.com/kfs3giBUvT— The RPA (@theRPA) 3 May 2017
Picamoles would be the first player ever to sign a joint contract between a Top 14 club and the FFR, with new president Bernard Laporte having discussed the possibility of central contracts earlier this season.