The Section Paloise concluded its 2025-2026 Top 14 regular season with a commanding 71-35 victory over US Montauban at the Stade du Hameau on June 6, 2026, according to official match records from the LNR. The win secured a fourth-place finish for the Béarnais side, ensuring they will host a home barrage match in the upcoming phase of the competition.
Top 14 Playoff Picture
Following the final day of the regular season, the standings confirmed the qualification paths for the remaining contenders. While the Section Paloise secured a bonus point in their win against Montauban, the Stade Français maintained their third-place position by earning a defensive bonus point in a 27-22 loss to La Rochelle, as reported by L’Équipe.
The upcoming barrage fixtures are scheduled for the following dates:
- Section Paloise vs. Racing 92: Saturday, June 13, 2026, at 21:05.
- Stade Français vs. Stade Rochelais: Sunday, June 14, 2026, at 21:05.
Racing 92 qualified for the fifth seed after defeating Toulouse 31-20, while La Rochelle’s narrow loss was sufficient to secure the sixth seed, thanks to Clermont’s 34-31 victory over Bordeaux.
Looking Ahead to the Semi-Finals
The competition structure dictates that the winners of the barrage matches will advance to the semi-finals in Marseille. According to the tournament schedule, the victor of the Section Paloise versus Racing 92 match is set to face Toulouse on Friday, June 19, 2026, at 21:05 at the Stade Vélodrome. The winner of the Stade Français and La Rochelle encounter will compete in the second semi-final on Saturday, June 20, 2026, also at the Vélodrome at 21:05.
Summary of Standings and European Qualification
While the top six teams remain in contention for the Top 14 title, the final day also clarified the landscape for European competition. Clermont (ASM) and Bordeaux (UBB) finished in seventh and eighth place, respectively. Although they narrowly missed the top-six playoff bracket, both clubs secured their tickets for the upcoming Champions Cup season.
Key Takeaways
- Pau’s Performance: The Section Paloise scored eleven tries in their 71-35 win against Montauban.
- Home Advantage: By finishing fourth, Pau earned the right to host Racing 92 at the Hameau for their barrage match.
- Tournament Schedule: The path to the final involves a transition to Marseille for the semi-finals on June 19 and 20.