When Alexandre Roumat was asked this Sunday evening at a press conference if 2024 was therefore an exceptional year for Toulouse residents, here is what he replied:
“Absolutely, that's why we're not being choosy given the year we've had and all the efforts we've made. We lost few matches, we spent a lot of time at the top of the table and we were lucky enough to win two magnificent titles, with two exceptional finals. We may not really realize it but it was a year that will mean a lot in our lives. We will always remember it.“
And what do the figures say? Already, regarding the number of defeats, it is true that Toulouse has lost (very) few matches. 7 to be precise. Which, in 38 matches played, gives a fairly impressive ratio of 76% victory percentage over the past year. Even in 2019, the club did not do as well…
2025 promises to be just as busy
Also note that in addition to the two draws conceded, none of the 7 defeats were suffered when the typical team (namely the premiums with Antoine Dupont in the team) was aligned. While the victory in the Top 14 final against UBB was the largest in the history of the championship.
Which shows to what extent this year 2024 was, it is true, exceptional for Stade Toulousain. But as Roumat also pointed out, time to savor does not exist at this level.
Video. Jostled by Paris, Stade Toulousain still takes the bonus to end the year in style
From this Tuesday, we will have to get back to work to prepare for the shock against La Rochelle before switching to the longest trip of the season: that to the Sharks in Durban, in South Africa.
“An aberration in the calendar concocted by our colleagues at EPCR,” said Eric Bayle this Sunday evening…
