Racing 92's Francois Trinh-Duc empathises with Montpellier

Racing 92 fly-half Francois Trinh-Duc experienced a bitter-sweet moment on Friday evening as his current side put his former side, Montpellier, to the sword, 24-22, thus materialising the latter’s twelfth loss of the season.

Montpellier is a city and a club which Trinh-Duc holds very close to his heart, having turned out in the club’s colours for twelve season previously.

Montpellier had victory within their grasp when a penalty two minutes from full time gave racing the win after replacement fly-half Antoine Gibert slotted the kick.

"I have feelings for Montpellier, whose situation saddens me," Trinh-Duc said.

"Playing in Montpellier is always special for me. I feel like I have a third lung when I come back here.

"These are my roots, my identity, I feel good in this city. It always gives chills."

Racing now move into third position on the overall standings, three points behind second-placed La Rochelle.

Montpellier find themselves hovering around the lower echelons of the table, in twelfth spot, with only 22 points to their name. Their next fixture will be observed on 13 February against Castres.