Clermont

ASM Clermont Auvergne is a French rugby team that plays in the Top 14, the top level of the French rugby system. The team has won the French Championship (Top 14) title twice, in 2010 and 2017.

The team was first established in 1911, when it was known as AS Michelin. However, due to a legal objection, the team’s name was changed to AS Montferrandaise in 1922. 

In 2004, the team’s name changed for one final time. They’re now known as Association Sportive Montferrandaise Clermont Auvergne (or more commonly ASM Clermont Auvergne, or simply Clermont). That said, the team is still frequently referred to as Montferrand both within and outside France.

ASM Clermont Auvergne has strong links to tyre giant Michelin, who settled in Montferrand in 1889. The club was actually started by Marcel Michelin, the son of the founder of the tyre manufacturer. The club has maintained these ties to this day. For example, the Clermont team plays in yellow and blue, which are the traditional colours of the French tyre manufacturer. Similarly, the team plays home matches at Stade Marcel-Michelin.

Clermont Rugby Club claimed their first French Championship title in 2010. Prior to this, they had reached the final of the competition 10 times, losing on each occasion. Since their 2010 triumph, they've reached the final three more times. They were victorious again in 2017, but lost the final in 2015 and 2019. 

In the team's history, they've also won the European Rugby Challenge Cup three times (1999, 2007 and 2019) and reached the final of the European Rugby Champions Cup three times (2013, 2015 and 2017). However, they lost on all three occasions. 

Clermont is undoubtedly one of the very best teams in France. Follow their progress and latest results right here at RugbyPass.