Toulon Women’s Rugby Team Defeats Montpellier in Elite 1 Victory

Toulon’s women’s rugby team (RCTPM) achieved a significant victory over Montpellier (MHR) on Sunday, March 1, 2026, winning 22-12 at the Mayol stadium. This win lifts RCTPM out of the relegation zone in the Élite 1 féminine league.

The victory was particularly notable given pre-match expectations, with few anticipating a win for Toulon against Montpellier. RCTPM captain Clémence Rypen expressed her joy and pride in her team’s performance, stating, “We had given our word, we had made promises to each other in the locker room. Today, we were able to keep our promises.”

Strong Defense and Offensive Realism

Toulon’s defense proved impenetrable, frustrating Montpellier’s attempts to score. The team relentlessly blocked Montpellier’s advances, particularly when cornered near their own attempt line. Manager Stéphane Beyt-Gamonet noted the team had “studied their game well and we did what was necessary to respond to it.”

RCTPM’s offense was equally effective. After a period of sustained pressure, Toulon scored the first try of the match. The play began with a rush from Clémence Rypen, leading to a break by Océane Buisson, who was then supported by the forwards to score a try converted by Moreira.

Further demonstrating their offensive prowess, Toulon continued to attack, with Derrey breaking through the line and assisting Smith, who passed to Dubus for another try. This sequence, featuring a strong carry and recovery by Stefan and Bergeron, highlighted Toulon’s attacking capabilities.

Second Half Dominance

The second half continued in a similar vein, with Toulon maintaining their dominance. Montpellier struggled to break through the Toulon defense, relying on individual efforts and penalties for their points. Whereas the Toulon wall occasionally wavered, it never fully collapsed.

Despite missing out on the offensive bonus point in the final seconds, the victory was celebrated by players, staff, and fans alike. Clémence Rypen expressed her pride in the team’s performance, stating simply, “I’m proud of us.”