The reigning French and European champions offer one last dance to their supporters to close a historic 2024. Relive their exceptional epic and discover why they could still crush the competition in 2025…
The curtain will soon fall on an absolutely exceptional year 2024 for Stade Toulousain. But before definitively turning the page, the Rouge et Noir have one last mission: to finish in style in front of their home crowd against the Stade Français during the flagship show of the Top 14, the famous “Classico”. The opportunity to relive their epic one last time in an incandescent Toulouse Stadium.
The swan song of a historic season
Nobody has forgotten the resounding double achieved last June by the men ofUgo Line. Champions of France and champions of Europe, the Toulouse residents reigned supreme over French and continental rugby, carried by a golden generation led by Antoine Dupont et Romain Ntamack.
Our generation is still hungry for titles.
Romain Ntamack after the Champions Cup title
And the stadium executives do not intend to stop there. After a great start to the season, with 9 victories in 12 days, Toulouse is in 2nd place in the Top 14. An unusual rank for the reigning champions, but which can be explained by a squad rested last weekend. A luxury that few clubs can afford.
A Classico to take back the throne
Because yes, at the end of this calendar year, it’s good the UBB which sits at the top of the ranking. An affront for Stade Toulousain, which will be keen to regain its place this weekend, in its lair of the Stadium. And the Classico against Stade Français comes at the right time.
Despite a scarecrow status, the Parisians are stuck in the soft underbelly of the Top 14, with only 5 victories on the clock. Enough to give ideas to the Rouge et Noir, who intend to offer one last recital to their audience before attacking 2025.
Especially since the teammates ofAntoine Dupont are recovering their strength with the return of internationals. Ntamack, Ramos, Jelonch… Everyone will be on the field to make the Stadium roar one last time in 2024. Enough to glimpse an offensive festival like at the height of their domination last season.
On the way to a new double in 2025?
Already qualified for the final stages of the Champions Cup, Stade Toulousain will have the opportunity this spring to defend its continental title. But the Red and Black also have a national crown to keep. And given their strength and their ability to perform on all fronts, it's hard not to imagine them triumphing again in 2025.
The only real danger for Toulouse residents is perhaps themselves. By winning and dominating their opponents, there is a risk of slackening. But the staff ofUgo Line understands this well and knows how to keep his group under pressure, season after season.
The proof, if any were still needed, will be made this Sunday evening in a white-hot Stadium. The people of Toulouse have only one desire: to end their historic year in style to better move forward in 2025. The Stade Français has been warned, the Red and Black steamroller is in motion and determined to crush everything in its path . Let the show begin!
