At the heart of French rugby, where competition is fierce and passions boil, three teams stand out for their proud history, outstanding achievements and significant contributions to the sport. Let’s dive into the history of Stade Toulousain, ASM Clermont Auvergne and RC Toulon, the three pillars of French rugby, and find out what the secret of their popularity is, and why the ranks of fans are growing day by day.

Stade Toulousain

  • Location: Toulouse
  • Foundation Date: 1907
  • Main Prizes/Titles: Top 14 Champions (1985, 1986, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2001, 2008, 2011, 2012, 2019, 2021), European Rugby Champions Cup Winners (1996, 2003, 2005, 2010, 2021)
  • Top Players: Thierry Dusautoir, Frédéric Michalak, Yoann Huget
  • Leagues: Top 14, European Rugby Champions Cup

Stade Toulousain, from the vibrant city of Toulouse, has long been the gold standard of French rugby. The club has been crowned champions of the most prestigious Top 14 competition 20 times and is the most popular rugby club in Europe with a huge army of fans around the world. Stade Toulousain is renowned for its rugby school, which has produced many French international players, cementing the club’s reputation as a stronghold of rugby talent.

ASM Clermont Auvergne

  • Location: Clermont-Ferrand
  • Foundation Date: 1911
  • Main Prizes/Titles: Top 14 Champions (2010, 2017), European Rugby Challenge Cup Winners (1999, 2007, 2019)
  • Top Players: Aurélien Rougerie, Wesley Fofana, Morgan Parra
  • Leagues: Top 14, European Rugby Champions Cup

The story of ASM Clermont Auvergne is one of resilience and passion. The club overcame many second places in the Top 14 to become champions, embodying the spirit of perseverance. Their commitment to aggressive play has made them a favorite among fans and cemented their status as a cornerstone of French rugby. Clermont Auvergne fans, “Les Jaunards,” are known for their colorful support, creating an intimidating atmosphere on their home field.

RC Toulon

  • Location: Toulon
  • Foundation Date: 1908
  • Main Prizes/Titles: Top 14 Champions (1931, 1987, 1992, 2014), European Rugby Champions Cup Winners (2013, 2014, 2015)
  • Top Players: Jonny Wilkinson, Bryan Habana, Matt Giteau
  • Leagues: Top 14, European Rugby Champions Cup

Located on the Mediterranean coast, Toulon have become one of the most formidable clubs in European rugby. Their meteoric rise in the 2010s, culminating in three consecutive European Champions Cup victories, demonstrated their global ambition and ability to attract world-class players. The combination of international stars and local talent has allowed Toulon to create a unique and successful team that is a constant contender in all the competitions they participate in. Toulon’s strategy of attracting international stars has led to the team being dubbed the “Galácticos” in rugby, similar to Real Madrid’s policy in soccer.

Who are You Rooting for?

As you may have seen — rugby is booming in France with energy and passion. And it’s up to you to choose your favorite team. It could be the stars of the Top 14 championship, Stade Toulousain, who have topped the competition 20 times. Perhaps you are impressed by the resilient spirit of ASM Clermont Auvergne, a team that constantly surprises fans with its unwavering determination to overcome challenges and achieve victory against all odds. Or maybe the star-studded RC Toulon squad will catch your eye?

So, as the teams line up and the anthems play, the question remains: Who are you rooting for?