Top 14 News
Browse all of the latest Top 14 news stories here at RugbyPass. From player injuries and squad updates to play-by-play match coverage and post-match analysis, you’ll find all of the latest coverage on this page. Scroll down to read the latest expert insights, interviews and more from our rugby gurus.
Halfpenny to leave Toulon as contract will not be extended
After returning from the British and Irish Lions' tour of New Zealand, Leigh Halfpenny may be searching for a new club.
Former Grenoble coach Jackman to take the helm at Newport Gwent Dragons
The Newport Gwent Dragons have appointed Bernard Jackman as their new head coach.
Jackman will take-over from Kingsley Jones.
Ian Cameron
12 Jun, 15:31
VIDEO: Simon Shaw story gives glimpse into French rugby's obsession with huge athletes
It's no great secret that when it comes to Top14 rugby, bigger is definitely perceived as better.
Just how obsessed they are w…
Ian Cameron
12 Jun, 13:54
Parra proud of Clermont triumph: No one ever gave up
Clermont have suffered regular agony in rugby's most important matches, but Morgan Parra was able to celebrate a Top 14 triumph on…
Iain Strachan
05 Jun, 18:08
Unflappable Parra helps Clermont end recent final hoodoo
Morgan Parra slotted a perfect six out of six from the tee as Clermont Auvergne edged a thrilling Top 14 final 22-16 over Toulon o…
Guess who's coming (back) to Toulon
By special request, and for two days only...
James Harrington
30 May, 15:00
Weekend round-up: Hail to the Chiefs
The Aviva Premiership final lived up to its billing – in fact, it was probably the game of the season – while the Top 14 semis…
Clermont end Racing's Top 14 defence despite Van der Merwe dismissal
Clermont Auvergne overcame Flip van der Merwe's red card to ease to a 37-31 win over defending champions Racing 92 in the Top 14 s…
Nicholas McGee
27 May, 19:32
VIDEO: Red card tackle sees James O'Connor face planted into pitch
Pierre Aguillon’s second-half red card for an ugly tackle on James O'Connor proved crucial as Toulon came from behind to beat La…
Belleau boots Toulon into Top 14 final after Aguillon red
Pierre Aguillon's second-half sending-off proved crucial as Toulon came from behind to beat La Rochelle 18-15 and reach the Top 14…
Nicholas McGee
27 May, 0:15
The definitive-ish Rugby Pass Top 14 team of the season
James Harrington nominates his Top 14 all-stars XV for a fantasy match against Dan Johansson's all-star Premiership side
There …
James Harrington
26 May, 16:09
Short notice... But is anyone available for a game of rugby?
Asking for a friend...
If you have nothing better to do in the next few hours, one club has issued a plea for some players with…
James Harrington
26 May, 13:55
There was something rotten in Jake White's Montpellier
French media reports have torn White's coaching tenure to shreds. Big style
James Harrington
25 May, 11:55
Top14 Semi Finals - Live Match Centre
Follow the Top14 semi finals from anywhere with live commentary as well as up to the minute statistics on anything and everything.…
VIDEO: Jannie du Plessis red carded for striking fellow South African
It may well be that for the Dr Jannie du Plessis the age old adage 'First do no harm' does not apply when it comes to the rugby pi…
Ian Cameron
21 May, 12:24
Montpellier lose their cool as Racing book Clermont semi-final
Francois Steyn entered the sin bin and Jannie Du Plessis was sent off as Racing 92 dumped Montpellier out of the Top 14 finals.
Iain Strachan
20 May, 17:37
Gutsy Toulon battle past Castres to make Top 14 semis
Toulon were staring defeat in the face against Castres, but came on strong in the closing quarter to reach the Top 14 semi-finals.
Christopher Devine
19 May, 22:14
Ban balls-up leaves Jacques du Plessis free to play in Top 14 knockout phase
James Harrington
19 May, 15:19
Saints stand firm over Montpellier target Picamoles
Northampton Saints have reiterated that Louis Picamoles is still contracted to the Premiership club for a further two years after …
Peter Thompson
16 May, 14:23
Vahaamahina ruled out of Top 14 play-offs
Clermont Auvergne will be without Sebastien Vahaamahina for the Top 14 play-offs after the France second row was ruled out for "se…
Jack Davies
15 May, 12:13
Please do not laugh at this rugby player's name
He's 20 years old, 1.92m tall, and weighs 92kgs. He's a promising professional rugby player who recently scored two tries against …
Hayden Donnell
14 May, 22:22
Toulon snap up former All Black McAlister from Toulouse
Former New Zealand fly-half Luke McAlister will swap Toulouse for Toulon from the 2017-18 Top 14 season.
McAlister has agreed a…
The Top 14 season in review - club by club
Six teams and five matches remain in the race for the French championship's Bouclier de Brennus - but the regular Top 14 season is…
James Harrington
09 May, 16:13
Racing earn play-off spot, Clermont straight through to semis
The final day of the Top 14 regular season brought valuable wins for Racing 92 and Clermont, as Stade Francais missed out on the t…
Christopher Devine
06 May, 21:36
I'm alive and well - Bryan Habana refutes false report of death
"I'm alive and well," Bryan Habana said on Twitter amid a false report that he had been killed.
Nicholas McGee
05 May, 10:36
Number-crunching the final weekend of the tight Top 14
As the Top 14 season enters its final week, the play-off permutations are so complex they would have Pierre de Fermat, of brain-mu…
James Harrington
04 May, 12:00
Two red cards as merger-threatened rivals meet in Top 14
Two players were sent off as Stade Francais triumphed 27-23 over Racing 92 on Sunday, in a Top 14 clash between two clubs who appe…
Jack Davies
30 Apr, 17:45
Toulon secure play-off berth, Clermont climb into top two
Leigh Halfpenny kicked 16 points as Toulon won 26-13 at Bordeaux Begles to seal their place in the Top 14 play-offs.
This week's biggest matches to watch on Rugby Pass
The end of the season is nigh in the Aviva Premiership and Top 14 – and the possibilities and permutations are almost endless. M…
11 memorable dates in Thierry Dusautoir's career
It's almost impossible to distill the career of soon-to-retire rugby legend Thierry Dusautoir into just a few key moments – but …
James Harrington
24 Apr, 18:28
Montpellier hammer Racing to go second
Montpellier surged up to second in the Top 14 as they dished out a 54-3 hammering to Racing 92 on Saturday.
The fixture had ini…
Nicholas McGee
22 Apr, 20:16
Dusautoir to quit at end of the season
Former France captain Thierry Dusautoir has announced that he will retire from rugby union at the end of the Top 14 season after 1…
Peter Thompson
19 Apr, 14:59
The decline and fall of Toulouse
Don't blame coach Ugo Mola for Toulouse's failings this season. After 22 years of Guy Novès, change was needed – but off-field …
James Harrington
17 Apr, 13:08
Wallabies star Drew Mitchell to retire
Only two players have scored more Rugby World Cup tries than Australia's Drew Mitchell, who is set to end his illustrious career.
Christopher Devine
17 Apr, 11:10
Tomane hat-trick inspires rampant Montpellier, McAllister miss costs Toulouse
Joe Tomane scored a first-half hat-trick as Montpellier thrashed Bayonne 61-22, while Toulouse were beaten 10-8 by Racing 92 in th…
Clermont confirm play-off spot and relegate Grenoble
Clermont secured their place in the Top 14 play-offs with a 59-18 battering of Grenoble, whose inevitable relegation to the second…
Peter Hanson
15 Apr, 21:22
Echoes of Racing-Stade merger in Western Force's fight for Super Rugby survival
There is something familiar about Western Force's fight for Super Rugby survival following SANZAAR's decision to cull three franch…
James Harrington
13 Apr, 23:54
Who'll join Wasps, Chiefs and Saracens in the Aviva Premiership Playoffs?
One spot is still to be decided in English top flight, while over in France nine teams are still in the running for three playoff …
James Harrington
10 Apr, 20:32
Cockerill kicks off with victory, Racing back in the mix
Richard Cockerill's tenure as interim Toulon head coach got off to a winning start as they beat Toulouse 33-23 to keep their Top 1…
Alex Fisher
09 Apr, 17:34
La Rochelle march towards Top 14 semi-finals, Bayonne relegated
La Rochelle took another step towards the Top 14 semi-finals by defeating Bordeaux-Begles 16-5 on Saturday, while Bayonne's relega…
Brock James: I would have played for France if they asked
Last summer, Brock James joined La Rochelle after a decade at Top 14 rivals Clermont. He spoke to James Harrington about his new c…
James Harrington
07 Apr, 16:00
Racing rule out permanent O'Gara Ireland role
Top 14 champions Racing 92 will not entertain the prospect of Ronan O'Gara taking a permanent role in the Ireland set-up.
Peter Thompson
06 Apr, 16:15
Top 14 Power Rankings: Big spending no guarantee of success
With just four rounds of the Top 14 season to go, James Harrington looks at the clubs' successes and failures on – and in some c…
James Harrington
06 Apr, 15:19
Pity the coaches on European rugby's managerial merry-go-round
Toulon's Mike Ford is just the latest victim of European clubs' short-term glory-now thinking in a big-money game where failure is…
James Harrington
04 Apr, 14:52
Cockerill takes charge as Ford leaves Toulon
Mike Ford has left Toulon in the wake of their Champions Cup loss to Clermont Auvergne, with Richard Cockerill filling in for the …
Toulon is dead … Long live Toulon
What looks like the slow and painful decline and fall of the Top 14's original Galacticos is actually a chance to rebuild the club…
James Harrington
30 Mar, 15:47
Ashton says Toulon move dampens 'burning desire' to play for England
Chris Ashton said it is easier to watch England safe in the knowledge that he is putting himself out of contention by moving to Fr…
Peter Thompson
30 Mar, 9:22
Grenoble players reinstated amid investigation into alleged rape
Grenoble have reinstated six of their players who were sacked by the Top 14 club following allegations of rape.
The unnamed pla…
Peter Thompson
29 Mar, 18:16
Good week, bad week: Jonathan Joseph in A Tweet Too Far
England player chose the wrong moment to tell the Twittersphere all about his footwear – but another international picked the ri…
James Harrington
28 Mar, 14:31
Ryan poised to leave Munster for Racing
Donnacha Ryan was not offered a central contract by the IRFU, and is set to leave his homeland for Racing 92.
Nicholas McGee
27 Mar, 16:24
Stade put strike behind them with Toulon win
Stade Francais showed they have the stomach for a relegation fight by beating Toulon 17-11 in their first game since a player stri…
Peter Thompson
26 Mar, 22:19
La Rochelle seal play-off spot with Pau win, Racing beat Clermont
Top 14 leaders La Rochelle sealed a play-off place and moved 11 points clear with a 23-13 win at Pau after Racing 92 beat second-p…
Peter Thompson
25 Mar, 22:03
Montpellier seeking compensation for Racing postponement
Montpellier are seeking thousands of euros in compensation from French rugby chiefs for the postponement of last Saturday's Top 14…
Peter Thompson
21 Mar, 15:48
Good week, bad week: Who'd be a citing commissioner?
How the overwrought daytime soap opera in Paris can't hide Welsh problems; the continuing woes of Jacky and Thomas; Bucharest deli…
James Harrington
21 Mar, 14:09
Galthie to take over from Ford at Toulon
Fabien Galthie will take over as director of rugby at Top 14 giants Toulon next season after it was agreed not to extend the contr…
Peter Hanson
20 Mar, 15:24
Racing boss walks away from Stade union
It is safe to say it has been an unusual week in French rugby - and little of what has happened has troubled the positive side of …
James Harrington
19 Mar, 20:52
Resilient Grenoble snatch draw with Toulon, Toulouse end losing run
Toulon missed an opportunity to go third in the Top 14 when Henry Vanderglas' late converted try salvaged a dramatic 23-23 draw fo…
Peter Thompson
19 Mar, 19:05
BREAKING NEWS: Racing 92 call off Stade Francais merger
Following protests and threats of strike action, the prospect of a merger between Racing 92 and Stade Francais looks to be over.
Jack Davies
19 Mar, 12:07
Clermont pummel Pau, La Rochelle stay clear in Top 14
After two defeats in a row, Clermont Auvergne came up with an emphatic response against Pau, running in nine tries.
Christopher Devine
18 Mar, 22:59
Carter contract 'safe' - but what about others caught in Stade-Racing chaos?
Dan Carter is expected to play for Paris's new Top 14 super-club if the planned merger of Racing 92 and Stade Francais goes ahead,…
James Harrington
17 Mar, 15:33
Racing and Stade's Top 14 games postponed after merger revelations
French authorities called off Stade Francais and Racing 92's next matches due to the "unprecedented nature" of their planned merge…
Peter Thompson
17 Mar, 13:33
Doubts cast over Racing 92-Stade Francais merger
Could player power be about to scupper Paris clubs' planned union?
All is not well in the pro-Racing 92-Stade Francais merger c…
James Harrington
15 Mar, 20:48
Emergency meeting called to discuss Stade-Racing merger
Racing 92 and Stade Francais sensationally announced this week that they plan to merge ahead of the 2017-18 season.
All Black Kerr-Barlow to make La Rochelle switch
New Zealand scrum-half Tawera Kerr-Barlow will leave Chiefs to join La Rochelle at the end of the Super Rugby season.
The 26-ye…
Peter Thompson
15 Mar, 9:05
Stade Francais players strike over merger plans
This weekend's Top 14 match against Castres Olympique is in doubt following player walkout.
Stade Francais players have voted o…
We weren't allowed to live near each other - Phillips shocked by Racing-Stade merger
After being discouraged from living near Stade Francais players, Mike Phillips is shocked Racing 92 will merge with their Paris ri…
Iain Strachan
14 Mar, 11:21
125 years of French rugby history swept away in a single day
Fallout from the shock news that two of France's oldest clubs are set to merge.
James Harrington
13 Mar, 20:45
Comparing Stade-Racing merger to Barcelona-Real Madrid joining pretentious - Lorenzetti
The decision to merge Top 14 giants Stade Francais and Racing 92 has been defended by the latter's owner Jacky Lorenzetti.
Peter Hanson
13 Mar, 19:47
Is Goosen set for Racing return?
James Harrington
13 Mar, 19:20
It appears that changes have to be made - Coach Ibanez to leave Bordeaux
After five years in charge, former France captain Raphael Ibanez will leave his role as head coach of Bordeaux-Begles in the Top 1…
Top 14 two to become one in Paris as Racing 92 and Stade Francais announce merger plans
James Harrington
13 Mar, 11:54
BREAKING NEWS: Stade Francais and Racing 92 to merge
It has been announced that Stade Francais and Racing 92, two giants of French rugby, will merge ahead of next season.
Fall stars as Montpellier edge out Clermont, Pau into top four
Benjamin Fall scored one try and was involved in two more as Montpellier got the better of Clermont in a meeting of two Top 14 hea…
Christopher Devine
12 Mar, 18:16
It's a sense of shame - Bayonne chief dismayed by Toulon humiliation
It was a torrid outing for Bayonne at Toulon and sporting director Nicolas Morlaes was left questioning his players' commitment.
Toulouse 'to adopt two-doctor approach to HIAs' after Palisson incident
James Harrington
10 Mar, 17:12
Suspended Williams set for Racing 92 exit
Former New Zealand international Ali Williams was suspended by Racing 92 last month and is now set to be sacked.
Nicholas McGee
10 Mar, 10:33
The Tight Five - Handpicked Stories From The World of Rugby
Good week, bad week: Why Wales are desperate for a win
James Harrington
07 Mar, 20:57
The opening salvos in French rugby's new battle over central contracts have begun
James Harrington
07 Mar, 20:35
Was Alexis Palisson another case of concussion mismanaged?
James Harrington
06 Mar, 11:25
La Rochelle go top with sixth consecutive Top 14 win
A sixth win in succession sees La Rochelle lead the Top 14, while Montpellier missed a chance to go third.
Clermont defeat opens door for La Rochelle, Barba debuts in Toulon loss
Castres recorded an impressive victory over the Top 14 leaders on Saturday, as Toulon suffered defeat to Brive.
Christopher Devine
04 Mar, 23:00
Toulon-bound Radradra would 'love' Eels return
Semi Radradra said "I'm upset for the fans for sure, but it's a business nowadays" after agreeing to join Toulon.
Peter Thompson
02 Mar, 9:26
Williams stripped of Racing ambassador role for 'unforgivable' mistake
Laurent Travers said Ali Williams' arrest for allegedly buying drugs was "unforgivable, so there is a sentence" for the former All…
Peter Thompson
01 Mar, 17:03
Toulon suspend O'Connor following arrest
James O'Connor will face a further interview with Toulon owner Mourad Boudjellal within the next eight days after being arrested.
Peter Thompson
28 Feb, 18:43
Toulon owner rules out new deal for 'kid with troubles' O'Connor
James O'Connor and Ali Wiliams spent time in jail after being arrested in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Peter Thompson
28 Feb, 15:17
Bernard Laporte's country-first changes are set for a backlash from clubs
James Harrington
27 Feb, 16:27
Racing suspend Ali Williams amid cocaine investigation
Former New Zealand international Ali Williams has been suspended by Racing 92 amid a French police drugs investigation.
Alex Fisher
25 Feb, 15:43
Dan Carter loses sponsor after drink-drive arrest
Montpellier and Castres boost top-six hopes
Montpellier and Castres recorded impressive victories to underline their top-six credentials in the Top 14.
Alex Fisher
19 Feb, 18:21
Clermont beat Bayonne to go top, La Rochelle win again
La Rochelle dropped into second place despite extending their winning run to eight matches, with Clermont Auvergne now leading the…
Peter Thompson
18 Feb, 22:20
Carter apologises for drink-driving
Dan Carter apologised after the New Zealand great was caught drink-driving in France.
Dejan Kalinic
17 Feb, 3:18
Nonu's Toulon extension done, says president
Toulon president Mourad Boudjellal says Ma'a Nonu has agreed a new deal.
Peter Hanson
16 Feb, 13:37
Colin Slade: 'No one gives up the All Blacks easily'
James Harrington
15 Feb, 9:27
Toulon expects… cross-coder Ben Barba to emulate SBW
James Harrington
14 Feb, 11:35
Gibbes to coach Ulster, Azema extends Clermont contract
Clermont Auvergne have handed a new deal to head coach Franck Azema and allowed forwards coach Jono Gibbes to join Ulster for next…
Christopher Devine
13 Feb, 10:27
RUGDAQ Weekly: Who's going up and who's going down in the global rugby stockmarket
Changing Top 14 rules mean fewer raids on southern rugby
James Harrington
07 Feb, 13:59
A Love Letter To Baptiste Serin
Lee Calvert
05 Feb, 22:04
Weekend Round-Up: Tigers, Tyros ... and Nip-Tuck Matches
This Week's Biggest Matches on Rugby Pass
Jamie Cudmore: 'Suspecting a Concussion Means It's Probably a Concussion'
James Harrington
16 Jan, 19:00
Weekend Round-Up: Cards, Fightbacks, and Brief Returns
This Week's Biggest Matches on Rugby Pass
Nine Northern Hemisphere Players to Watch Out For in 2017
James Harrington
03 Jan, 15:31
Weekend Round Up: New Year, New Exciting Rugby
This Week's Biggest Matches on Rugby Pass
Weekend Round-Up: Yes, You Can Celebrate Christmas All Over Again
This Week's Biggest Matches on Rugby Pass
Six Super Rugby Heroes Who Turned Out To Be Top 14 Zeroes
James Harrington
16 Dec, 23:22
Five Things We Learned From the Weekend's European Champions Cup
James Harrington
12 Dec, 21:09
Weekend Round-Up: Back To Life, Back To The Premiership
A Bitter Leadership Battle Paves the Way For Big Changes in French Rugby
James Harrington
04 Dec, 0:49
This Week’s Biggest Matches On Rugby Pass
Boudjellal Vs The International Window: Toulon's Owner Taking World Rugby To Court
James Harrington
15 Nov, 12:39
This Week’s Biggest Matches On Rugby Pass
Calum Henderson
08 Nov, 21:11
Conrad Smith's Challenge To Dan Carter
James Harrington
07 Nov, 23:14
Diego Dominguez Hasn't Been Sacked, Toulon Just Have A New Head Coach
James Harrington
30 Oct, 23:08
Weekend Round-Up: Return Of Connacht
Calum Henderson
16 Oct, 21:13
Weekend Round-Up: Fight At The Top Of The Premiership Table
Calum Henderson
09 Oct, 21:15
Jake White's Departure From Montpellier Is As Eyebrow-Raising As His Arrival
James Harrington
03 Oct, 22:00
Peter Bills: Big Club Contract Or A Test Match Jersey? I Know What I'd Choose
Peter Bills
28 Sep, 22:46
Guy Novès' Big Plans To Save French Rugby
James Harrington
26 Sep, 23:19
The Most Frustrating Rugby Team In France
James Harrington
20 Sep, 22:56
Matthieu Ugalde Enters Rugby's Eye Gouging Punishment Lottery
James Harrington
13 Sep, 23:16
Weekend Round-Up: Jimmy Gopperth Tames The Tigers
Calum Henderson
11 Sep, 23:28
Turmoil In Toulon: French Rugby's Greatest Soap Opera
James Harrington
06 Sep, 9:00
Rugby Pass Podcast: Who Runs The World?
The Top 14 In Numbers: The Season So Far
James Harrington
29 Aug, 22:22
Five Local Players To Watch In The Top 14 This Season
James Harrington
21 Aug, 23:51
How Racing 92's corruption scandal could be a dark vision of the global game's future
John Daniell
15 May, 23:41
The Tight Five: This Week’s Biggest Matches on Rugby Pass
Calum Henderson
04 May, 0:20
Rugby Pass Podcast: Is English Rugby On the Rise?
Scotty Stevenson
13 Apr, 23:11
The Tight Five: This Week’s Biggest Matches on Rugby Pass
Calum Henderson
12 Apr, 22:22
The Tight Five: This Week’s Biggest Matches on Rugby Pass
Calum Henderson
29 Mar, 23:22
Are you anticipating Stade Toulousain could take the title once again? Or wondering which clubs could make it to the Champions Cup? No matter what you want to know, our rugby experts follow every game, update and insight to make sure you’re always on top of the latest Top 14 news.
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