Pierre Spies is one of six players who have been released by Montpellier, despite still being under contract with the club.

South African coach Jake White's stint at Montpellier came to an abrupt end, following their 22-13 defeat against Racing in their qualifier playoff match over the weekend, with Vern Cotter set to take over the reins.

On Monday, Montpellier announced that the club will not make use of the services of Spies, Marvin O'Connor, Antoine Battut, Akapusi Qera, Joffrey Michel and Robins Tchale-Watchou. Most of the released squad members were regular starters under White, but it is believed Cotter will bring in different players to make up the squad.

Other players leaving the club include South Africans Demetri Catrakilis (Harlequins), Duhan van der Merwe (Edinburgh) and Willie du Plessis (Bayonne), as well as Australian Nic White (Exeter Chiefs), but they have all signed contracts elsewhere.

Photo: Sylvain Thomas/AFP