Racing Club Narbonnais Secures Bonus-Point Victory Over Rennes Despite Uneven Performance
Narbonne, France – The Racing Club Narbonnais defeated Rennes 36-24 in a Nationale rugby match on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Parc des Sports, securing a bonus point in the process. Despite the win, the team acknowledged a subpar performance and faces a challenging upcoming match against Nice.
A Hard-Fought Victory
The match saw the Racing Club Narbonnais overcome a challenging first half, with the score tied 17-17 at halftime. They secured the bonus point victory, moving into the Top 3 of the Nationale standings with 83 points. This result places them ahead of Chambéry (81 points) and trails only Nice (88 points) and Albi (90 points).
Clauzel Shines for Narbonne
Hugo Clauzel was a standout performer for Narbonne, scoring a double – his first of his professional career – and proving to be a constant threat on the wing. His tries came in the 50th minute, capitalizing on a kick from Tom Chauvet, and again in the 63rd minute, finishing off a strong effort from the forwards.
Coaches Express Concerns
Despite the victory, the coaching staff expressed dissatisfaction with the team’s performance. Forwards coach David Fourtané stated, “We played a match like we trained this week.” He emphasized the need for improvement before next week’s crucial match against Nice, adding, “We will need a big wake-up call before next week, to get back on a good footing.”
Looking Ahead to Nice
The upcoming match against Nice on Saturday, March 28th, will be a significant test for the Racing Club Narbonnais. Fourtané acknowledged the challenge, stating the team must “switch to the very positive” and improve quickly. The coach also noted uncertainty regarding the final team composition, with players returning from the sidelines potentially influencing selection decisions.
Rubies Honored Before the Match
Prior to the match against Rennes, the Racing Club Narbonnais honored its sport-health section, the Rubies, with a tournament organized on the pitch. The club’s official website details the event, highlighting the team’s commitment to community engagement.