For the 2024 retrospective, we look at these records which were broken in the Top 14, and those which will be at the center of discussions for the year 2025. It is about Toulouse hegemony in the Top 14, but also about a generation that could leave its mark on the French selection…
A Top 14 final of all records
It will not go down in history for its suspense but the 2023-2024 Top 14 final will have broken several records. Already, Toulouse have scored the highest number of points in a final. And as Union Bordeaux-Bègles only scored three points, it was also the largest gap observed between two finalists (59-3).
And Thomas Ramos particularly stood out with 20 points scored (2 tries, 2 conversions and 2 penalties). He steals the record from former Clermontois Brock James.
The most prolific Top 14 season
This final concluded a 2023-2024 exercise which was the most prolific in the history of the Top 14. Indeed, the 975 tries of the 2017-2018 season were exceeded, since 1007 were registered in 26 days. This equates to an average of 5.5 tries per match.
The Toulouse stadium is more attacking than ever
Even before this historic final, Toulouse had already broken a record, proving the effectiveness of their attack. With 103 tries scored in 26 matches, Stade Toulouse became the team with the most prolific attack during a regular season.
A historic comeback but not unique
The Union Bordeaux-Bègles enjoyed a remarkable comeback in Vannes on November 23. While they were trailing 29-0 at the break, the Girondins attacked with all their might to catch up and win. With this performance, they equal a record held by Stade Toulouse, against these same Girondins.
On May 19, 2019, it was 36-7 at halftime for UBB, and Toulouse ended up winning 36-43. A second half out of time, which put the locals out of the race for the top 6. It was Baptiste Serin's last outing with UBB in Chaban.
Records to beat for 2025
They mainly concern the French team and were already expected for the year which has just passed. First, there are the two that get talked about the most, namely the markers. Among the directors, Thomas Ramos currently has 379 scored with the XV of France. The record is still held by Frédéric Michalak with 436 points (57 points difference). Between the two, Christophe Lamaison has 380 points.
And among try scorers, Damian Penaud has not yet managed to equal Serge Blanco's record (38). But it's only two units away…
As a reminder, Gaël Fickou is the most capped active player, by far (93, compared to 63 for Atonio). In 2024, he overtook Damien Traille (86), Olivier Magne (90) and equaled Serge Blanco. Aged 30, will he be able to beat Fabien Pelous' record (118)? Until then, there are the 98 selections of Raphaël Ibanez and the 111 of Philippe Sella.
And before that, next February he could beat another record, that of selections in the Tournament. Fabien Pelous is tied with him, at 49 caps, and Philippe Sella is the record holder with 50 caps.
Finally, on February 8 at Twickenham, the French XV will aim for a fourth victory in a row against England in the Tournament. And this would be unprecedented since the transition to 6 nations. With 5 nations, the Blues had achieved a similar feat between 1975 and 1978.
