Fred, Quercy player, discusses ahead of Montauban's first appearance in Top 14 competition:

In the heart of the French rugby scene, the town of Montauban has witnessed a rollercoaster of events over the years. One seasoned player, who spent most of their career in the Pro D2, has shared their experiences and insights about the club's challenging past and the anticipation for the upcoming Top 14 season.

The player, who made their Top 14 debut with Montauban, recalls a time when half of the team felt compelled to leave due to the dangerous conditions at the club. The turning point, they believe, came two seasons ago, following the appointment of a new staff led by Sébastien Tillous-Borde.

The turbulent period in Montauban was marked by huge misunderstandings during training sessions and match preparations. This was compounded by a disastrous and catastrophic sports management during a certain period, which led to the player being blacklisted, reducing their matches from a regular 25 to just 10.

However, the club's fortunes took a turn for the better when they won the Pro D2 title in their off-season. The player, who also had a brief stint with Montpellier in the Top 14 during 2013-2014, joked about facing Top 14 teams during strength training sessions in the past. But those days are long gone, as the player now prepares to face Top 14 teams with utmost seriousness.

The player is cautious about the gap between Pro D2 and Top 14, having experienced the stark contrast firsthand. They claim that the Montauban environment was very bad and unhealthy, a sentiment shared by many other players who faced similar misunderstandings.

Looking ahead, the new coach for Montauban since the 2022/23 season is Laurent Buisson. The player expressed confidence to the club's president that they could become French champions, a goal they are now working tirelessly towards. The schedule for the first round of Top 14 has yet to be announced, but the player and their teammates are ready to face the challenges that lie ahead.

The jokes about Top 14 teams are no longer jokes for the player, who is now focused on making a significant impact in the league. The player, who has seen the highs and lows of Montauban rugby, is eager to write a new chapter in the club's history, one that is filled with success and unity.