SA-born France lock returns for Montpellier in Champions Cup

France lock Paul Willemse, who missed the Autumn internationals through injury, will make his competitive return for Montpellier in this weekend's Champions Cup match against Welsh side Ospreys, the Top 14 champions announced on Friday.

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Pretoria-born Willemse, who has won 24 caps for France, tore a muscle in his right thigh in early November while preparing for the Autumn tests which included a meeting with his native South Africa.

Hampered by a knee surgery in May, he has only played five games since the start of the season with Montpellier.

Willemse will start on the bench on Saturday as Montpellier look to build on their 32-27 win at London Irish in last week's Pool B opener.

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