On Saturday night at the Stade de France, Stade Toulousain defeated Montpellier 28-20 in the Top 14 final. With this victory, Toulouse secured their 25th French championship title and lifted their fourth consecutive Brennus Shield. The final was interrupted by thunderstorms. Play was suspended due to the weather conditions before resuming. Despite the interruption, Toulouse maintained their lead and controlled the remainder of the match.
The difference made in the first period
Toulouse built their victory before the break. The Stade Toulousain players took the lead in the first half and then managed their advantage against Montpellier, who fought back but couldn't turn the game around. In total, Toulouse scored three tries, two conversions, and three penalties. Montpellier responded with two tries, two conversions, and two penalties. The final eight-point margin reflects a close final, but one controlled by Stade Toulousain in the decisive moments.
A final disrupted by thunderstorms
The weather conditions impacted the match. The final was interrupted due to a thunderstorm. This break temporarily halted the flow of the game, but it didn't change the outcome. After the restart, Toulouse managed to maintain their lead. Montpellier continued to fight back, but Stade Toulousain retained enough control to prevent MHR from closing the gap.
Lebel sanctioned, Toulouse remains solid
Matthis Lebel received a yellow card in the 44th minute. This temporary exclusion could have given Montpellier a boost, but Toulouse held firm during this difficult period. Stade Toulousain resisted, maintained their lead, and prevented the match from turning around. Montpellier scored, kept the pressure on, but never managed to take the lead.
In the final play, the Toulouse pack won a penalty at the scrum. The Stade Toulousain players were then able to celebrate before the final whistle. This last penalty ended the suspense. Toulouse won 28-20 and confirmed their dominance in French rugby.
Toulouse extends its reign
With this new title, Stade Toulousain reaches 25 French championship titles. The club from the Haute-Garonne region has also secured its fourth consecutive Brennus Shield, a major achievement in the recent history of the Top 14. Montpellier leaves the final defeated, despite two tries and a real fight. Toulouse, meanwhile, finishes the season on top, with another national title and an even stronger place in the history of the championship.
