Perpignan Defeats Section Paloise in Top 14 Match

Perpignan defeated Section Paloise 40-24 in a Top 14 match held on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at the Stade Aimé Giral. The match had been postponed from the 17th day of the Top 14 season due to prior weather conditions France Bleu.

First-Half Dominance by USAP

USAP quickly took the lead with a try from Alivereti Duguivalu in the 4th minute, converted by Benjamin Urdapilleta LNR. Section Paloise responded with a try from Julián Montoya, also converted, tying the score at 7-7 LNR. However, Perpignan regained control, scoring three more tries through Mathieu Tanguy and two from Jefferson-Lee Joseph within twenty-five minutes LNR. Urdapilleta added two penalties and one conversion, extending their lead to 30-10 LNR. Aaron Grandidier-Nkanang scored a try for Pau just before halftime, narrowing the gap to 30-17 LNR.

Second-Half Performance and Final Score

In the second half, Perpignan continued to build their advantage with a penalty from Benjamin Urdapilleta, increasing the score to 33-17 Sud Ouest. Beka Gorgadze scored a try for Section Paloise, bringing the score to 33-24 Section Paloise, but Perpignan sealed the victory with a final try from Lucas Velarte, resulting in a final score of 40-24 Section Paloise.

Standings Implications

This win marks USAP’s fourth consecutive home success in the championship and helps them improve their standing in the Top 14. Section Paloise, despite the loss, remains in second place in the league standings, only one point ahead of Bordeaux-Bègles France Bleu, Sud Ouest.

Section Paloise was missing key players including Fabien Brau-Boirie, Emilien Gailleton and Théo Attissogbe LNR.