Top 14: a final day with multiple challenges

The ^26th and final day of the Top 14, Saturday, June 7, promises to be thrilling. Aside from the match between Lyon Olympique Universitaire (LOU) ( ^11th , 50 points) and Racing 92 ( ^10th , 52), the other six matches all have stakes, at different levels. While Toulouse is guaranteed to finish first in the regular phase of the championship, Bordeaux ( ^2nd , 73) and Toulon ( ^3rd , 72) are fighting for second place, which will qualify directly for the semi-finals of the championship.

Bayonne ( ^4th , 64 points), Castres ( ^5th , 63), La Rochelle ( ^6th , 62) and Clermont ( ^7th , 59) are in the running for the last three places in the top 6, which give access to the play-off matches (the ^3rd and ^6th as well as the ^4th and ^5th will face each other, on the ground of the highest ranked team, to reach the last four).

In the event of a victory – with a bonus if possible – against Toulon, Aviron Bayonnais would retain home advantage over the team finishing fifth. Respectively, ^8th and ^9th , Pau (57 points) – who retain a slim hope of finishing among the top six – and Montpellier (56 points) are aiming for qualification for the Champions Cup next season, reserved for the top eight teams in the championship.

Finally, at the bottom of the table, Stade Français ( ^12th , 41st), Perpignan ( ^13th , 40th) and Vannes ( ^14th , 36th) are fighting for survival. Unless a miracle happens against Union Bordeaux-Bègles on the pitch at the Chaban-Delmas stadium, the Bretons seem doomed to relegation. Parisians and Catalans host Castres and Toulouse respectively for this last day. The challenge looks complicated for USAP, if it wants to avoid the play-off with the unfortunate finalist of Pro D2.

Saturday, June 7 at 9:05 p.m.

• Bayonne Rowing Club ( ^4th ) - Toulon Rugby Club ( ^3rd )
• Le LOU ( ^11th ) - Racing 92 ( ^10th )
• Montpellier Hérault Rugby ( ^9th ) - ASM Clermont ( ^7th )
• Section Pau ( ^8th ) - Stade Rochelais ( ^6th )
• Stade Français Paris ( ^12th ) - Castres Olympique ( ^5th )
• Union Bordeaux-Bègles ( ^2nd ) - RC Vannes ( ^14th )
• USA Perpignan ( ^13th ) - Stade Toulouse ( ^1st )

1. Toulouse, 90 points

2. Union Bordeaux-Bègles, 73 points

3. Toulon, 72 points

4. Bayonne, 64 points

5. Castres, 63 points

6. La Rochelle, 62 points

7. Clermont, 59 points

8. Pau, 57 points

9. Montpellier 56 points

10. Racing 92, 52 points

11. Lyon, 50 points

12. Stade Français, 41 points

13. Perpignan, 40 points

14. Vannes, 36 points