The Top 14 is the crown jewel of French rugby, a competition rich in history, tradition and a relentless pursuit of excellence. As the highest echelon of professional rugby in France, the Top 14 conquers fans across the country and around the world, showcasing the best talents and club skills of French rugby players. Let’s find out more about its evolution and popularity.

History of the Top 14

The championship was founded in 1892 when, under the leadership of the legendary Pierre de Coubertin. A competition was held between the Racing and the Stade Français teams in Paris. Until 1898, only teams from Paris participated in the competition, but soon the championship expanded to other regions of France and included 16 regional leagues, which were used to qualify for the national competition.

The rapid start was temporarily interrupted by the events of World War II. But after the end of the war, rugby in France experienced a second birth as people sought to forget the horrors of war and enjoy the spectacle and noble expression of the sport.

  • The 1970s saw the start of rugby’s media boom, which allowed television to be brought in to cover matches. A flood of money from sponsors, advertising and the sale of broadcast rights took the sport to a whole new level. Many refer to the decade from 1970 to 1980 as the golden era of French rugby club Béziers, who set a record with a 100-0 win against Montchanin in September 1975 and became real crowd favorites.
  • In the following years, the league moved more and more towards professionalism: the number of teams eligible to play in the elite decreased from 40 in 1995 to 16 in 2001, and the championship was named Top 16.
  • In the 2005-2006 season, the competition was renamed the Top 14 and the number of teams was reduced to increase the quality and competitiveness of the league.

The introduction of a playoff system to determine the champions added another level of excitement and competition to the season’s culmination.

The number of foreign players has steadily increased, resulting in the Top 14 being one of the most diverse and globally recognized rugby leagues.

Over the years, the Top 14 has utilized technological advances and media to enhance the fan experience and global reach. The adoption of video judging, advanced statistical analysis and high-definition broadcasts has significantly increased online and social media presence and created a broad global fan base.

Format and Structure

The Top 14 operates under a league system in which 14 clubs compete against each other during the regular season, followed by an exciting playoff phase. During the regular season, each team plays home and away games, which results in a ranking that determines eligibility for the playoffs. The top six teams advance to the playoffs, with the top two teams getting a direct ticket to the semifinals and the remaining four battling it out in the quarterfinals. The season culminates in a grand final where the two remaining teams battle it out for the coveted Bouquet de Brennus, symbolizing the supremacy of French rugby.
Conclusion

From historic clubs to legendary players, league has been a catalyst for the growth and popularity of the sport in France and beyond. As the alma mater for top-level athletes, the Top 14 continues to captivate fans, inspire players and maintain the values of the game, making it an integral part of the rugby world.