Top 14 final: Montpellier tweaks training for heat ahead of clash with Stade Toulousain

As the Top 14 championship match approaches at the Stade de France, Montpellier Hérault Rugby (MHR) has altered its preparation because of a severe heat wave affecting much of France. Manager Joan Caudullo said the squad will train less, favouring later sessions and extra sleep – “I prefer they get up late rather than train early” – and will focus on tactical work while limiting physical load to keep players fresh for the Saturday showdown.

Analysts compared the two finalists’ recent workloads. Montpellier players logged about 31,179 minutes this season, averaging 1,355 minutes per match, with back‑line star Tom Banks the most used. Stade Toulousain’s squad recorded roughly 30,954 minutes, averaging 1,290 minutes per player. Although the numbers are close, Montpellier has played slightly more games (36 versus 34) and had one fewer rest day before the final, after a hard‑fought semi‑final win over Stade Français. Both teams therefore enter the match with comparable, but not identical, freshness levels.