It’s been 32 years in the making but could this finally be the year that Montpellier win their first ever Top 14 title.

Former Scotland boss Vern Cotter was brought in by owner Mohed Altrad at the end of last season, after former coach (and 2007 Rugby World Cup winner) Jake White was shown the door following top three finishes in the last two seasons.

This was not enough for the ambitious Altrad but perhaps Cotter can take Montpellier all the way as they lead the classement with 76 points with just three rounds remaining.

Their biggest challenge looks set to be Racing Metro with a still classy Dan Carter in second place on 70 points though Toulon may still have something to say about it.

While Montpellier and Racing look assured of their place in the six team playoffs, Toulon could mathematically still miss out as six tightly bunched teams battle for the remaining four spots – Toulouse (66 points), Toulon (64), Pau (62 points), La Rochelle (61), Lyon (61) and Castres (60).

More will be revealed this weekend when Montpellier travel to the Riviera to take on Toulon while Toulouse host Racing.

Although its unlikely the full make-up of the playoff spots will be known until the 26eme journee (26th and final match day).