US Carcassonne, rugby at the foot of the city

A sports union born in 1899

The Union sportive carcassonnaise registered its statutes on 6 May 1899, with twenty-six founding members. At the foot of the medieval city, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997, the club grew with the rhythm of Aude rugby and quickly became one of the city's prides. In the mid-twenties, it strengthened with several players from the Pyrenees, including Albert Domec, and reached the peak of its history: a French Championship final. This generation laid the foundations for a culture of rugby that would remain in Carcassonne.

The other clubs

Clubs from Top 14 and Pro D2 are also featured:

• FC Grenoble Rugby.
• Aviron Bayonnais.
• Castres Olympique.
• Stade Toulousain.
• Montpellier Hérault Rugby.
• ASM Clermont Auvergne.

All the clubs are gathered on the page Top 14 and Pro D2.

The 1925 final, followed by the long climb

On 3 May 1925, Carcassonne played in the championship final against USA Perpignan, in Maraussan, near Narbonne, in front of around twenty thousand spectators. The Catalans won five to zero, and this match remains the club's historic peak. USC then secured titles in lower divisions, like second division in 1975, before experiencing more modest years before climbing back to the higher level: champion of France in Fédérale 1 in 2010, it then reached Pro D2, the second professional division.

Albert-Domec and the double culture of fifteen and thirteen

USC plays at the Albert-Domec stadium, which has around ten thousand seats and is named after one of the Pyrenees players who joined the club in the twenties. The public of Carcassonne, known for its knowledge of the game, enjoys rugby in both its forms: the city is also a historic stronghold of rugby league, and many supporters follow both codes. The Aude derbies against Narbonne, a long-standing neighbour and rival, revive old local rivalries and fill the stands, just like visits from major Occitan clubs.

Bargains

Good deals can also be found in the bargains, promotions, clearances, sales, and Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, and items shipped in 24 hours are prepared and dispatched within a day. The year's highlights follow a consistent order: Black Friday in late autumn, the festive season, winter sales, French Days in spring, then summer sales and back-to-school.

Frequently asked questions

At what level does US Carcassonne play?

USC joined Pro D2, the second professional division, in 2010, after its title of champion of France in Fédérale 1. The club has established itself there for the long term, with a squad combining players trained in Aude and experienced recruits.

How does the Pro D2 championship work?

Sixteen clubs compete in home and away matches, then the top six play in the finals. The winner of the final is promoted directly to Top 14, while the runner-up plays a promotion match against the thirteenth from the top tier.

Which rugby shirt should I choose to support USC?

The supporter version, with a straight cut, is easy to wear in the stands and day-to-day. The match version, which is more fitted and technical, is suitable for those who enjoy the feel of a player's kit; in both cases, take your usual t-shirt size.

What to see in Carcassonne on match day?

The medieval city, with its two sets of ramparts and fifty-two towers, can be visited before or after the match. The Canal du Midi, which runs through the lower city, also offers a pleasant walk while waiting for kick-off.

Why is Carcassonne vs Narbonne a derby?

Both cities in Aude, located about sixty kilometres apart, have been competing for over a century for rugby supremacy in the department. Each match mobilises supporters from both sides and takes on a special flavour at Albert-Domec.