Chile's Lucas Berti signs two-year deal with Grenoble after Montpellier exit

Lucas Berti, the 22-year-old scrum-half who helped Chile secure a place at the 2027 Rugby World Cup, has signed a two-season contract with FC Grenoble in France’s second-tier ProD2 division.

Berti’s arrival was accelerated by the injury to Grenoble’s Eric Escande, which is expected to sideline him for the majority of the season. The Chilean became a priority target as a result, and Grenoble moved decisively to bring him on board. He becomes the club’s 11th signing ahead of the upcoming campaign, joining a group that includes Uruguay’s Manuel Leindekar, former Osprey James Fender, and Newcastle Red Bull’s Fergus Lee-Warner.

Despite a well-travelled career for a player his age, Berti has yet to make a senior league appearance in France. Born in England to Chilean parents, he began in Leinster’s academy before moving to Bristol Bears for the 2021–22 season. At 19, he joined Montpellier on an academy contract and spent three full seasons there — long enough to earn JIFF status — but never featured in a Top 14 fixture before departing in September 2025.

After leaving Montpellier, Berti returned to Chile to play for Super Rugby Américas franchise Selknam, starting two of three matches in Chile’s Nations Cup campaign before his move to Grenoble was confirmed.

On the international stage, Berti committed to Chile despite also being eligible for Italy, coming close to representing the Azzurri before declaring for Los Cóndores. He earned his first cap against Belgium in July 2024, and a year later came off the bench in both legs of Chile’s decisive qualification play-off against Samoa, helping the side book their place at the 2027 World Cup in Australia.

Berti’s signing raises Chilean representation in the ProD2 to three players. Utility back Iñaki Ayarza is set to feature for Oyonnax, while lock Javier Eissmann will play for Agen.