Stade Toulousain edged Union Bordeaux-Bègles 39-36 in a breathtaking Top 14 final, sealing victory in the 100th minute.
In one of the most thrilling Top 14 finals ever played, Toulouse edged Union Bordeaux-Bègles 39-36 after 100 unforgettable minutes at the Stade de France.
The reigning champions dramatically clinched their third consecutive title, with Thomas Ramos delivering the winning penalty at the death.
A pulsating clash of flair, power, and resilience saw both teams push each other to the limit, producing an instant classic that will live long in the history of French rugby.
First-Half Fireworks Set The Tone
Toulouse (1.96) and Bordeaux traded blows early, with Maxime Lucu opening the scoring from the tee after a fast Bordeaux start. Thomas Ramos responded for Toulouse, keeping pace with Lucu’s boot while setting the tone for a dramatic scoring duel.
Toulouse scored the first try when Anthony Jelonch powered over following sustained pressure inside the Bordeaux 22-metre area. Bordeaux (1.89) replied through a dazzling kick-chase try from Damian Penaud, levelling the momentum heading into the final ten minutes.
Toulouse regained control with a rolling maul try by Jack Willis, who gave them a 20-16 lead at halftime. Lucu’s accurate kicking kept Bordeaux in touch as Toulouse’s forwards began asserting dominance in key contact situations.
Momentum Swings Continue In Second Half
Bordeaux started the second half with energy as Matthieu Jalibert sliced through to score a brilliant solo try for the lead.
Toulouse responded quickly, with Willis bagging his second try, crashing over after a strong carry off the back of a ruck. A high tackle by Pierre Bochaton resulted in a yellow card, and Ramos added three points to stretch Toulouse’s lead.
Bordeaux’s resolve never wavered as Marcos Kremer and Guido Petti led a ferocious comeback in the closing stages. Petti scored in the 70th minute after a counter-attack that reignited the contest and stirred the crowd into frenzy. Lucu nailed a high-pressure penalty to draw the game 33-33 and force extra time in a stunning climax at Stade de France.
Extra-Time Drama Decides Epic Final
As fatigue crept in, both sides dug deep during a tense and tactical extra-time period filled with nervy exchanges.
Ramos gave Toulouse a brief lead in the 95th minute, splitting the uprights after Bordeaux infringed at a ruck.
Lucu again pulled Bordeaux level with a nerveless penalty of his own, making it 36-36 with time almost expired.
In the 100th minute, Toulouse’s pack won a decisive breakdown penalty deep in Bordeaux territory after a thunderous surge. Ramos, cool under pressure all evening, stepped up and slotted the match-winning kick with seconds left on the clock.
Toulouse’s Champions Mentality Prevails
Ramos finished with 24 points, combining flawless kicking with composure that ultimately won Toulouse their 24th French title.
Willis’s brace, Jelonch’s work rate, and the relentless Toulouse pack proved crucial in overcoming Bordeaux’s spirited resistance. Bordeaux’s quest for a maiden Top 14 title ended in heartbreak, but their fearless display will live long in memory.
The 2024/25 final may be remembered as the greatest ever, a 100-minute epic defined by courage, skill, and pure theatre.
Toulouse’s victory sealed a third straight Top 14 crown, further cementing their legendary status in French and European club rugby.f
