Montpellier back White over Trinh-Duc spat

White, who guided Montpellier to their first major trophy two weeks ago by beating Harlequins in the European Challenge Cup Final, has come under fire from fans on social media for dropping Trinh-Duc, 29, from his matchday squad.

Trinh-Duc, who has spent much of the season injured, also received support from his club captain and France international teammate Fulgence Ouedraogo, who criticised the club in a post on Twitter.

Altrad said in a statement that because of his statements "the Montpellier management met with… Fulgence Ouedraogo to prepare for the forthcoming appointments".

"It [the management] took the opportunity in this meeting to reiterate its full and total support for its coach Jake White."

Trinh-Duc, who has been first choice flyhalf for Montpellier for most of the last decade, was dropped from the matchday squad by White ahead of the player's move to Toulon next season.

South African Demetri Catrakilis was prefered at No.10 in the 26-19 victory over Quins with Trinh-Duc not even making the replacements' bench.

He has also been left out of the squad to face Toulon on Sunday in what could have been his final appearance in front of the home fans at the Altrad stadium.

Ouedraogo hit out at the club over that decision, saying in a tweet: "No matter what the score is on Sunday, this match will remain an historic defeat for the club."

Montpellier responded by saying they would organise a "special event… to thank the players leaving the club at the end of the season", including France international prop Nicolas Mas, who is retiring.

Australia international back-row forward Ben Mowen is joining Pau and South African centre Robert Ebersohn leaving for Castres.

Agence France-Presse