Toulouse claims fourth consecutive Top 14 title with win over Montpellier
Toulouse defeated Montpellier 28-20 to win their fourth straight French Top 14 rugby championship, equaling the league's record for consecutive titles.
Stade Toulousain secured a historic fourth consecutive Top 14 title on Saturday, beating Montpellier 28-20 in the final. The achievement matches the league record previously set by Toulouse itself (1994–1997) and Bordeaux (1904–1907).
Hooker Peato Mauvaka was the star of the first half, scoring two tries, while scrum-half Antoine Dupont also crossed the line. By halftime, Toulouse led 25-6, looking dominant.
However, the second half brought heavy rain and a thunderstorm, causing a 12-minute suspension just before the hour mark. Montpellier took advantage of the break, with centre Justo Piccardo and replacement fly-half Leo Coly scoring to cut the deficit to 28-20. But the comeback fell short.
“Experience helps in those moments,” Dupont said after the match. “You have to measure the luck you have to be here, to win four years in a row. It's incredible, it will motivate us for the years to come.”
Montpellier captain Lenni Nouchi lamented: “We weren't far off. It's hard to accept, but it's reality.”
The final was played in sweltering heat, with temperatures reaching 34°C at kick-off in northern Paris. French president Emmanuel Macron was whistled as he entered the pitch before the match. Toulouse coach Ugo Mola left goal-kicker Thomas Ramos on the bench due to a hamstring injury, while Dupont started after missing last year's final with a serious knee injury.
