Huwipulotu to be broken up as Scotland star is on the ‘verge’ of lucrative deal
Teddy Williams is tackled by Scotland's Huw Jones and Sione Tuipulotu during the 2024 Guinness Six Nations match Wales vs Scotland at Principality Stadium.
Scotland and Glasgow Warriors star Huw Jones is on the cusp of completing a move to the Top 14 next season, according to reports in France.
Jones has formed a formidable centre partnership with Sione Tuipulotu for club and country, nicknamed ‘Huwipulotu’, but the combination looks set to be broken up at Glasgow next season.
Huwipulotu to be split up at club level
According to a report by Rugby Rama, Montpellier are “on the verge” of completing the signing of the star centre, having beaten the likes of Bayonne to the player’s services.
Jones has reportedly been in talks with Bayonne as his current contract at Glasgow Warriors comes to an end this season, but the report states that he has opted for Montpellier instead, despite the club’s struggles this season.
The Scottish centre has been in stellar form this Six Nations and played a massive role in Scotland’s 30-21 Calcutta Cup victory over England this past weekend.
He assisted two of Duhan van der Merwe’s three tries in the match and gained 31 metres from his three carries.
Duhan doing what he does best 💙 pic.twitter.com/UOUqKrTBni
— Guinness Men's Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) February 27, 2024
Gregor Townsend angry at English rugby bosses over ruling which questions Six Nations ‘integrity’
His signing would be a huge boost for Montpellier, particularly after they retained the services of Springboks centre Jan Serfontein beyond the current season.
Montpellier are battling for survival in the Top 14 after a poor start to the season, leading to Richard Cockerill’s sacking. Ex-Rugby Federation (FFR) president Bernard Laporte has since joined the side as their director of rugby, with Patrice Collazo taking over as head coach.
Recent results have seen them move off the foot of the Top 14 table, but they are still in danger of relegation as they currently sit in 13th place but are just two points away from 12th-placed Perpignan.
Jones is not the only player Montpellier have reportedly signed ahead of next season, as disgraced France prop Mohamaed Haouas is set to return to the club.
Haouas left Montpellier to sign for Clermont but never made an appearance for the side after his contract was cancelled after footage of him abusing his wife surfaced online.
New signings for Glasgow Warriors
Jones’ departure will undoubtedly be a massive blow for Glasgow Warriors, even though they have a handy replacement in Stafford McDowall and potentially Kyle Steyn if he moves from the wing into the centres.
However, the club has announced notable additions to their squad ahead of next season, with Exeter Chiefs prop Patrick Schickerling and Scotland loosehead Rory Sutherland joining the side.
Meanwhile, it is widely reported that Adam Hastings will return to the club as he will not extend his contract with Gloucester beyond this season.
