Rugby fans in the United States can catch all the action of the Top 14, France’s premier rugby competition, on TV5MONDE. The network provides exclusive French-language coverage of the tournament and live games ensuring fans stay updated throughout the season.

• Top 14 Rugby Le Mag: Every Sunday after Top 14 games, this show recaps the weekend’s matches with expert analysis and commentary.

• Live Matches: Beginning April 26 with the 22nd match day ("22ème journée"), TV5MONDE USA will broadcast live Top 14 rugby matches every Saturday and Sunday with French commentary.

• Playoffs Coverage: TV5MONDE will also air the crucial playoff matches in June, bringing fans the most intense moments of the season. The Top 14 semi-finales are scheduled the 20th and 21st of June and the Finale, at the Stade de France in Paris, the 28th of June.

A Deep Dive into the Top 14 Rugby Championship

The Top 14 is the pinnacle of French rugby, showcasing the best clubs in a fiercely contested tournament. The competition features powerhouse teams such as Toulouse, Clermont, Castres, Lyon, Montpellier, and Stade Français, battling it out for the coveted trophy (The Bouclier de Brennus or Brennus Shield) and a chance to claim domestic rugby supremacy.

History and Prestige of the Top 14

Since its inception in 1892, the Top 14 has grown into one of the most competitive rugby leagues in the world. French rugby’s influence extends beyond club level, with the national team, Les Bleus, competing fiercely in the Rugby World Cup and the Olympics. Many Top 14 players also shine on the global stage, representing nations like France, New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga, South Africa, Scotland, and Romania.

The Road to Glory: Playoffs and Relegation

The Top 14 follows an intense format, culminating in thrilling playoffs in June. Teams that finish in the top six compete in knockout rounds, with the final held at Stade de France. At the other end of the table, teams fight to avoid relegation to Pro D2, making every match crucial. Rugby Pro D2 

A relegation battle can be just as exciting as the race for the title, as famous clubs like Brive, Bourgoin, Biarritz and Perpignan have recently fought for their place in the Top 14 before eventually being relegated to the second tier of French rugby.

Top 14 Clubs to Watch in the 2024 Season

• Toulouse – THE powerhouse club with a rich history of success in the Top 14 and European tournaments.

• Clermont – Known for its passionate fan base and competitive squad year after year.

• Montpellier – A club on the rise, always a contender for the Top 14 trophy.

• Lyon – A team with strong performances in recent years.

• Brive – A historic club looking to reclaim its status among the elite.

• Castres – A resilient team that has clinched multiple titles despite disappointing results in the past years.

• Perpignan – Known for their fighting spirit in both domestic and European competitions.

• Stade Français – The Paris-based club has struggled recently but undoubtedly remains a team to watch in Top 14.

French Rugby’s International Legacy

French rugby has long played a key role on the world stage, with stars who have competed in multiple World Cups and Summer Olympics. The Top 14 is more than just a domestic competition; it is a proving ground for the best rugby talent in the world. Players from Tonga, Fiji, Scotland, and Romania come to France to showcase their skills, making the league incredibly diverse. Among them Owen Farrell​, Billy Vunipola​, Stuart Hogg​, Jonny Gray​, Madosh Tambwe​ and Hacjivah Dayimani​.

France’s rugby infrastructure, including the national training center in Marcoussis, has helped develop world-class players. One of them being of course Antoine Dupont, considered the best player on the planet at the moment. The captain of the French national team currently plays for Stade Toulousain.

Some of the most unforgettable moments in French rugby history include their Grand Slam victories in the Six Nations Tournament, stunning victories over New Zealand in World Cup play, and their near-miss against South Africa in the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

French Rugby on the Global Stage

France has consistently been a strong force in international rugby, defeating top teams like Wales, New Zealand, and South Africa in major tournaments. With the ever-growing popularity of the IRB World Cup, French rugby continues to thrive.

The recent inclusion of 7-player rugby at the Paris Summer Olympics has further boosted interest for the sport around the world. France won the gold medal, with Antoine Dupont as its captain.

Why Top 14 Rugby Matters

From thrilling scrums to last-minute tries, the Top 14 never fails to deliver excitement. Whether you're watching at Stade de France, Stade Toulousain, or on TV5MONDE, this league offers some of the best rugby action in the world.

For rugby fans in the U.S., TV5MONDE is the best way to follow the Top 14, experiencing the passion, drama, and excitement of French club rugby at its finest.