Former All Black and England centre Jamie Salmon tells the DSPN podcast that the French Top 14's depth and TV money have left every rival club competition behind, and predicts a wave of New Zealand stars heading north after the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Union Bordeaux-Begles claimed a significant home victory over Stade Toulousain at Stade Matmut-Atlantique in the Top 14 2026 season, finishing first with Toulouse classified second. With limited event data available, the result points to a composed and effective performance from the hosts, who made home advantage count against one of French rugby’s biggest names.
Lyon claimed the classified victory over RC Toulon at Matmut Stadium de Gerland in this Top 14 2026 fixture, making home advantage count to finish first ahead of the visitors. With limited event data available, the result points to a composed and effective Lyon performance, while Toulon remained competitive but ultimately had to settle for second place.
Stade Toulousain lead the 2025-26 Top 14 standings on 81 points, just three ahead of La Rochelle in a tightening title race. While the top two have opened a significant gap over the chasing pack, the battle for playoff positioning is intense, with only six points separating third-placed Lyon from seventh-placed Toulon. Further down, the mid-table remains congested, while Perpignan and Brive are under pressure near the bottom. The championship is shaping into a two-team fight for first, with every point now crucial.