If you're passionate about rugby union, the Top 14 is the championship you can't afford to miss. Featuring the best French players like Antoine Dupont and some of the best teams in the world (think Toulouse, Stade Français and Toulon), the Top 14 combines tradition, intensity, and pure talent across 26 rounds of action-packed matches.

In 2025, the stakes are higher than ever, with legendary clubs like Toulouse, Toulon, La Rochelle, Stade français, Montpellier and Castres fighting for the prestigious Bouclier de Brennus.
And thanks to TV5MONDE USA, American fans can watch live coverage of the Top 14 season, the European Rugby Champions Cup, and the thrilling playoffs all in one place.

Let’s dive into the Top 14’s 2025 schedule, the major teams, and everything you need to know to enjoy the most competitive rugby union tournament outside of the rugby world cup.

What is the Top 14?

The Top 14 is France’s premier rugby union competition, often compared to major American leagues like the NFL for its passion, skill, and intensity. Comprising 14 teams from across France, including powerhouses like Toulouse, Lyon, Clermont, Toulon, La Rochelle, and Bordeaux Bègles, the league showcases the best talent from the world rugby rankings.
Each club plays 26 regular-season matches — 13 home and 13 away — before the top six teams qualify for the playoffs, culminating in a final that crowns the season’s champion.

The winner of the Top 14 final lifts the famous Bouclier de Brennus, one of rugby's oldest and most prestigious trophies.

In addition to the domestic league, many Top 14 clubs also compete in the European Rugby Champions Cup and the Challenge Cup, facing elite teams from the United Rugby Championship and the Premiership.

2025 Top 14 Schedule: Key Dates

Regular Season: August 2024 – May 2025

Playoffs: May–June 2025

Bouclier de Brennus Final: June 2025 (venue TBC)

The schedule includes huge rivalries like Toulouse vs Stade Français, Castres vs Montpellier, and La Rochelle vs Bordeaux Bègles — must-watch games you can catch live on TV5MONDE USA.

Top Teams to Watch

Stade Toulousain (Toulouse)

The most decorated club in rugby union history, Toulouse continues to dominate both the Top 14 and European rugby champions competitions. With stars like Antoine Dupont, Ramos, and Cheslin Kolbe (before his move), Toulouse are always favorites.
They’re currently top contenders in both the Top 14 and Champions Cup. Think of them at The Patriots of Rugby!

RC Toulon

Toulon has one of the richest histories in European rugby, with multiple Champions Cup wins. Although they experienced a rebuilding phase, Toulon is now back in the hunt for glory, blending powerful forwards and creative backs. Watch for massive performances at the Stade Mayol and during key away matches in Bayonne, Castres, and Clermont.

La Rochelle

La Rochelle rose to global prominence after lifting the Champions Cup. Known for their physical dominance and smart game management, they regularly battle it out with Toulouse and Racing 92.
Their home matches in Stade Marcel-Deflandre are among the toughest in the Top 14.

Castres Olympique

The ultimate underdog story. Castres, despite a smaller budget compared to Toulouse or Racing, continues to be a title threat. Their gritty style of playing rugby has led them to multiple Bouclier wins over the past decade.

You’ll find Castres’ fixtures streamed via TV5MONDE USA, alongside highlights of key victories and their playoff chases.

Bordeaux-Bègles

Bordeaux combines French flair with power rugby, making them one of the most exciting sides in the Top 14. With talents like Matthieu Jalibert and Damian Penaud joining, Bègles are eyeing not just the Top 14 title but also European glory in the Champions Cup.

Watch all the highlights of Top 14 on TV5MONDE

Other Teams Not to Miss

Clermont Auvergne (known simply as Clermont): Always strong contenders, known for their "Yellow Army" fanbase.

Pau: A historic club in the Pyrenees, frequently upsetting bigger teams.

Stade Français Paris: Big city glamour, colorful kits, and unpredictable results.

Bayonne: A Basque powerhouse, passionate about every single match.

Vannes: Newcomers aiming to make a statement after promotion from Pro D2.

Montpellier: 2022 Top 14 champions, mixing French and South African talent.

Top 14 and European Competitions

Many Top 14 clubs also compete in the European Rugby Champions Cup and Challenge Cup, taking on the best from Ireland, England, Italy, and Wales.
The Champions Cup quarter-finals and semi-finals often feature epic clashes between Toulouse, La Rochelle, and top Irish sides like Leinster or Munster, four of the best teams in Europe.

TV5MONDE USA provides access not only to Top 14 regular-season matches but also key moments from European tournaments, helping fans stay connected across every championship.

A French Season Like No Other

With the Six Nations Championship and the rugby world cup fresh in fans’ minds, 2025 promises an even more competitive season.
French rugby players like Alldritt, Grégory Alldritt, Charles Ollivon, Matthieu Jalibert, and Romain Ntamack will return to their Top 14 clubs, looking to add domestic silverware to their international achievements.

From test matches against southern hemisphere giants like New Zealand and Australia to battling old Nations rivals like England, Wales, Ireland, and Scotland, French players have never been more tested — and ready.

Their performance at club level feeds back into France’s ambitions in global world rugby rankings and the next Rugby Championship cycle.

✅ Don’t miss a moment — subscribe to TV5MONDE USA for live coverage of the Top 14, the thrilling playoffs, the European Rugby Champions Cup, and all the highlight shows you need to follow French rugby like a pro.