Last Saturday evening, June 28th, 2025, the clash between Stade Toulousain and Union Bordeaux-Bègles (UBB), played out at the Stade de France in front of 80,023 spectators, was nothing short of epic.
⚡ It was the first Top 14 final to go into extra time in 11 years, the previous one being Toulon vs Castres (2014), won by Toulon 18–10.
The electrifying pre-game spectacle, featuring a contemporary dance troupe energizing the stadium, followed by the now-traditional handshake with President Emmanuel Macron, signaled what was to become a historic match in the annals of oval-ball sport.
We witnessed spectacular scores, memorable phases of play, raw tension, and high-level drama. Top 14 remains the world’s most powerful and spectacular rugby league, drawing global audiences while solidifying its prestige among even the most demanding fans.
📈 Score Evolution – Toulouse 39 – 33 Bordeaux (After Extra Time)
🔵 Union Bordeaux-Bègles:
3’ – Jalibert, try (0–5, conversion Lucu)
12’ – Lucu, penalty (3–5)
28’ – Lucu, penalty (6–5)
35’ – Penaud, try (6–10, conversion Lucu)
43’ – Lucu, penalty (9–16)
70’ – Petti, try (9–23, conversion Lucu)
80+1’ – Lucu, penalty (12–23, forcing extra time)
🔴 Stade Toulousain:
5’ – Ramos, penalty (3–5)
21’ – Ramos, penalty (8–5)
32’ – Ramos, penalty (11–16)
39’ – Willis, try (16–16, conversion Ramos)
43’ – Ramos, penalty (19–23)
58’ – Jelonch, try (24–23, no conversion)
66’ – Willis, try (29–23, no conversion)
78’ – Ramos, penalty (32–23)
95’ – Ramos, penalty (35–33)
100’ – Ramos, penalty (38–33)
The final on Saturday evening, June 28th, 2025, between Stade Toulousain and UBB, played at the Stade de France in front of a record attendance, was epic. The first final in 11 years to go into extra time. The impressive pre-match spectacle, with a contemporary dance troupe delivering an electrifying performance, followed by the now-famous pre-match handshake with French President Emmanuel Macron greeting the players of both teams, announced what would become a match destined to remain in the history of oval-ball sport. We witnessed spectacular points, memorable phases of play, and tension so palpable you could feel it even if you were not at the Stade de France. The match we watched last night was epic, one that will be written in golden letters in the memory of rugby lovers worldwide. Top 14 consolidates its position as the strongest and most spectacular championship in the world, undoubtedly attracting increasing viewership and monetization. How beautiful life would be for athletes, supporters, or sports analysts if we could have such finals every season. Chapeau Stade Toulousain. Chapeau UBB. Chapeau Top 14.
📊 Technical Details & Injuries:
🏉 Team Lineups:
🔴 Stade Toulousain:
Neti, Marchand, Aldegheri, Brennan, Flament, Cros, Willis, Jelonch, Graou, Ntamack (Kinghorn 15’), Kinghorn, Ahki, Barassi (Tauzin 78’), Mallía, Ramos.
🔵 Union Bordeaux-Bègles:
Poirot, Lamothe, Tameifuna, Cazeaux (Woki 66’), Coleman, Vergnes-Taillefer, Diaby, Tatafu, Lucu, Jalibert, Bielle-Biarrey, Moefana, Depoortère, Penaud, Buros.
🚑 Injuries:
- 15’ – Romain Ntamack (Toulouse): ankle sprain, replaced by Kinghorn.
- 34’ – Guido Petti (UBB): yellow card, minor shoulder issue.
- 66’ – Cyril Cazeaux (UBB): knee contusion, replaced by Woki.
- 68’ – Julien Marchand (Toulouse): thigh cramp, resumed after treatment.
- 78’ – Pierre-Louis Barassi (Toulouse): facial contusion, replaced by Tauzin.
🏆 Last 3 Seasons Performance:
Stade Toulousain:
- 2022–2023: Top 14 Champion
- 2023–2024: Top 14 Champion
- 2024–2025: Top 14 Champion (victory 39–33 vs Bordeaux)
Union Bordeaux-Bègles:
- 2022–2023: Top 14 Semi-finalist
- 2023–2024: Top 14 Finalist
- 2024–2025: Top 14 Finalist