Spies slams Montpellier over axing

Former Springbok back-row Pierre Spies has criticised Top 14 outfit Montpellier for the manner in which they dismissed him earlier this year.

The 32-year-old announced his retirement from professional rugby last month after he and five other players – Robins Tchale-Watchou, Akapusi Qera, Antoine Battut, Marvin O'Connor and Joffrey Michel – were released by Montpellier at the conclusion of the 2016/17 Top 14 season in May.

The 53-Test Springbok who also made 119 appearances for the Bulls, has spoken out about his axing and said Montpellier informed him of it 10 minutes before they issued a press release on the matter.

"In terms of the way in which I was told my services were no longer required, surely the club could have done it in a much better and more professional manner," Spies told Sport24.

"I believe there are better ways to manage players and, while each team dynamic is different, the industry is quite cut-throat. That’s the way it is over in France and I hope it doesn’t happen with too many players in the future.

"It was a rough time, but I’m very thankful for the fruitful career I enjoyed. It has been a wonderful journey and one I will remember for the rest of my days.”

And although his time at Montpellier came to an abrupt end, Spies feels it was the right time to bring his career to an end.

"I was planning on finishing my professional playing career at Montpellier and, even though I was released with two years still to run on my contract, I feel as though I left the game on my own terms," he said.

"I could have continued playing rugby, but I decided to end my career because I believe the time is right to begin the next chapter of my life. The moment I made the decision to call time on my career – I wasn’t going to uproot my family and move again for rugby – I had peace in my heart."