The Stade Toulousain rugby team continues to dominate French and European rugby, as evidenced by their recent 59-3 victory over Union Bordeaux-Bègles (UBB) in the Top 14 final held at the Vélodrome stadium in Marseille. This victory adds another trophy to Toulouse's already impressive collection, which includes 23 Brennus Shields and 6 European Cups.
The current generation of Toulouse players, led by Antoine Dupont and Romain Ntamack, has been particularly successful, securing 6 trophies in the last 5 years. This includes 4 French champion titles (2019, 2021, 2023, and 2024) and 2 European champions (2021 and 2024). Their manager, Ugo Mola, praises the team's relentless pursuit of records and achievements.
Toulouse's dominance is further highlighted by their consistent performance in finals. Since their last loss in the 2008 European Cup final against Munster, Toulouse has won all 9 finals they have contested, including three Champions Cups and six national titles.
The rivalry between Toulouse and UBB has been a topic of discussion among supporters on social media. Toulouse's extensive history and numerous titles starkly contrast with UBB's relatively recent presence in the Top 14. Despite this, UBB's manager, Yannick Bru, remains optimistic, emphasizing that anything can happen in a match.
Toulouse's success is built on the foundation of experienced players and a strong team ethos. The current squad's ability to maintain composure and perform under pressure has been a key factor in their success. The players' maturity and experience have allowed them to manage decisive matches effectively.
Looking ahead, Toulouse aims to continue their winning streak and possibly match the record of four consecutive titles set by the 1990s generation. President Didier Lacroix and players like Romain Ntamack are motivated by this goal, seeking to draw inspiration from past successes while striving to create their own legacy.
- The rivalry between Toulouse and UBB has been particularly intense, with supporters from both sides engaging in spirited exchanges on social media. One notable barb highlighted the disparity in achievements, pointing out that Toulouse has more Brennus Shields than UBB has years in the Top 14.
- Despite UBB's recent struggles and injuries, their manager, Yannick Bru, remains hopeful. Key players like Matthieu Jalibert and Tameifuna, who were initially expected to miss the final, might still make an appearance, adding an element of unpredictability to the match.
- Toulouse's Antoine Dupont, despite his recent setbacks, including a red card and a jaw injury, remains a pivotal figure for the team. His leadership and performance will be crucial as Toulouse continues to chase more titles.
