Montpellier coaching staff set for shake-up while Springbok signs in principal - reports

Montpellier's coaching staff is set for a shake-up ahead of next season with Vern Cotter set to leave his role as head coach and become the club's director of rugby according to RMC Sport.

 On Monday, La Rochelle confirmed that Xavier Garbajosa will leave the club at the end of the season with RMC Sport reporting that Garbajosa will succeed Cotter as the side's head coach.

The report also suggests that retired scrumhalf Julien Tomas will assist Garbajosa with the backline with Pierre-Philippe Lafond linked with the forwards' coach role at the club.

Finally, Springbok flyhalf Handre Pollard has reportedly agreed in principle to join Montpellier and is expected to arrive at the club after the World Cup in Japan, according to L'Equipe. 

The 25-year-old has been linked to a move to Bath as well as the Top League and it was reported that the Bulls and SA Rugby had raised the funds to keep the playmaker in Pretoria however it is reported that his salary at Montpellier should exceed 1.25 million euros a season.

Montpellier have former All Black Aaron Cruden on their payroll but the club has grown frustrated by his form and injuries with club owner Mohed Altrad stating earlier in the season that Cruden could leave the club if he wishes. 

Pollard has regained the starting Springbok jersey after a spell of injuries after the 2015 Rugby World Cup and to date has won 38 test caps for the Springboks.