Top 14 Season Predictions: Toulouse Eyes Fifth Consecutive Title and Bordeaux’s Ambitions

Stade Toulousain Eyes Historic Fifth Title

Stade Toulousain enters the campaign with a 67 percent backing from RMC Sport’s editorial panel to secure a fifth Bouclier de Brennus. Such an achievement would be an exploit never realized in the history of rugby and place the current generation alongside Cazalbou and Miorin. Despite upcoming departures for Thomas Ramos and François Cros, Ugo Mola maintains an extensive roster and a winning culture positioned to chase the domestic crown before the season concludes.

Bordeaux Shifts Focus to Champions Cup Glory

While Union Bordeaux Bègles possesses the squad depth required to fight for trophies, 91 percent of RMC Sport’s panel predicts Yannick Bru’s side will not keep its European Cup, favoring a domestic pivot instead. Following their second European success in Bilbao, Laurent Marti stated that cementing the club in history requires capturing a Brennus title amid European honors, noting that grand teams like Toulon are remembered for a national shield wedged between continental crowns.

Top 14 Contenders and European Fatigue Factors

Section Paloise finished fourth last season just four points behind Montpellier and reinforced their squad with arrivals including Vergnes-Taillefer, Pesenti, Garcia, and Senga-Kouo, alongside a promising young core of players like Brau-Boirie, Attisogbe, Arfeuil, and Grandidier. However, 83 percent of the RMC Sport panel doubts Pau will crack the top two spots due to upcoming fixture overlap and competition demands, though the club remains a strong playoff contender alongside Montpellier, La Rochelle, and the Paris-region clubs. Meanwhile, Toulon enters the Top 6 race without European competition commitments, a factor that could spare them the critical energy loss that hurt their late-season sprint last year.

Scorers’ Race and International Horizons

In the individual standings, Clermont’s Harry Plummer defends his title as the Top 14’s best scorer after netting 295 points last term, though 67 percent of experts expect a new scoring leader to emerge, with challengers including Louis Carbonel, Joris Segonds, Domingo Miotti, Maxime Lafage, and Nolann Le Garrec. On the international front, France manager Fabien Galthié prepares for a crucial Nations Cup slate featuring fixtures against Fiji, South Africa, and Argentina before a potential final against the Springboks or All Blacks, while roster debates continue around halfback pairings and wing selections.