Top 14 / Pro D2: the clubs of French rugby
The page Top 14 / Pro D2 brings together the jerseys and supporter items from clubs in French professional rugby, from Stade Toulousain to Stade Rochelais, from Union Bordeaux-Bègles to RC Toulon, from ASM Clermont Auvergne to Racing 92, not forgetting Aviron Bayonnais, Biarritz Olympique, FC Grenoble, or US Carcassonne.
The colours of French rugby clubs.
Top 14 and Pro D2: two professional leagues
The Top 14 brings together the fourteen clubs from the French elite and has been named as such since 2005. Pro D2, established in 2000, forms the second tier of professional rugby. At the end of the regular season, the top six from the Top 14 qualify for the play-offs: the two best teams await in the semi-finals, while the next four go through play-offs. Promotion and relegation connect the two divisions every year, making Pro D2 a fiercely contested league, where former French champions seek to return to the elite and where less renowned rugby towns dream of reaching it for the first time.
The Bouclier de Brennus, trophy of the champion
The champion of France receives the Bouclier de Brennus, created in 1892 by engraver Charles Brennus based on a design by Pierre de Coubertin. It was awarded for the very first final of the championship, held on March 20, 1892, and won three to four by the Racing Club de France against Stade Français, with Coubertin as the referee. Since then, every final concludes with the same ritual, with the winning captain holding the Shield up in front of their fans before a triumphant tour around their city. The final is most often played at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis at the end of spring.
Legendary clubs and stadiums
Each French rugby club has its home ground and its colours. The Stade Toulousain plays in red and black at the Ernest-Wallon stadium, the Stade Rochelais in yellow and black at Marcel-Deflandre, RC Toulon plays at the Mayol stadium, close to the port, and the ASM Clermont Auvergne in yellow and blue at the Marcel-Michelin stadium, known for the enthusiasm of its crowd. Racing 92 is the heir of the Racing Club de France, which won the first final, and Stade Français Paris plays at Jean-Bouin. Castres Olympique plays at the Pierre-Fabre stadium, while Aviron Bayonnais at Jean-Dauger and Biarritz Olympique at Aguiléra maintain an old Basque rivalry.
The clubs
This page is organised by club:
- Stade Toulousain.
- Stade Rochelais.
- Union Bordeaux bègles.
- RC Toulon.
- ASM Clermont Auvergne.
- Racing 92.
- Stade Français Paris.
- Castres Olympique.
- Montpellier Hérault Rugby.
- Aviron Bayonnais.
- Biarritz Olympique.
- FC Grenoble Rugby.
- US Carcassonne.
The foreign clubs, and other clubs are on the page clubs.
Home, away or third: choose your club jersey
The home jersey features the club’s historical colours, the ones fans have associated with their team for decades: it's the most timeless choice for a supporter. The away jersey and third change their design more often and dare to use new shades, sometimes linked to an event or the history of the city. The supporter version, which is looser and made from soft mesh, can be worn in the stands as well as in everyday life, whereas the player version, which is very fitted, needs to be a size up. To preserve emblems and sponsors, the jersey should be washed inside out, at thirty degrees, without fabric softener, and then air-dried.
Frequently asked questions
How many clubs are in Pro D2?
The Pro D2 consists of sixteen clubs, compared to fourteen in Top 14. Its champion promotes directly to the elite, while the unfortunate finalist can still access it through a play-off match against the thirteenth place in Top 14.
Who organises the Top 14 and Pro D2?
The National Rugby League, established in 1998, manages both professional leagues, their schedules and rights. The French Rugby Federation maintains control over the France teams and amateur rugby.
Where does the nickname "stick" for the trophy come from?
The Bouclier de Brennus is mounted on a wooden panel, hence this affectionate nickname adopted by players and supporters. Lifting it on the day of the final remains the dream of every French rugby player.
What jersey should be given to a young rugby supporter?
A children's jersey in the colours of their club, in the supporter version, makes for an easy gift choice. Choose it based on the child's build rather than their age, possibly a size up so they can wear it longer.
How to recognise an official club jersey?
An official jersey features the club's emblem, the logo of the supplier, and often a sewn-in authentication label inside. The sponsors are printed or heat transferred clearly, without smudges or misalignments.
