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Start your digital collection and compose your Legendary XV. My Legendary XV is about the story you wish to tell : 15 actions, 15 moments, 15 players, 15 sport memories to experience again
Start your digital collection and compose your Legendary XV. My Legendary XV is about the story you wish to tell : 15 actions, 15 moments, 15 players, 15 sport memories to experience again
Create the best Legendary XV album ever and earn points every week. Aim for the top of the leaderboard!
The top players in the ranking win exceptional rewards. Because My Legendary XV is all about legendary actions from the past that give you unforgettable emotions today.
Follow in the footsteps of a legend: receive a pair of shoes worn by a URC hero
Receive a signed jersey from your favourite URC club
An all-inclusive hospitality experience for 2 to the 2023-24 URC grand final + €500 spending money
An unforgettable encounter with your URC rugby hero
Win a signed ball from your favorite URC club
Win a 2024/25 season ticket for your favourite URC club to attend all home round matches
VIP URC TV Pass: your access to all URC matches for 1 year
2 tickets to watch the TOP 14 final in a VIP box with a rugby Legend
Attends the post-match press conference for a TOP 14 match
A close encounter with the ultimate prize, the Brennus Shield
Rugby like never told before
A couple of years ago, they were a strong leading team in Europe. Eleven of their players were Six Nations’ champions in 2009 - remember Ronan O’Gara? Peter Stringer? Or Paul O’Connell? All part of this Irish success: their second Grand Slam. Well, these are good memories. But in the past few years, this Munster was struggling to get back to the top. On the European front for instance, the last time they played a final was in 2008 - and they won to Toulouse. So, it was about time that one the most prestigious Irish team was back to the top. An up and down seasonThis is a great sum-up of Munster’s 2023 season: ups and downs. Seven rounds in the tournament and they had only two wins. Quite a small ratio. At one point, the Irish province was fourteenth in the ranking table. But thanks to a strong finish of the season, they made it to the finals. A win away in South Africa to the Stormers (24-26) and a draw to the Sharks (22-22): two crucial wins to qualify for the knockout stage after finishing fifth overall. Was it the impact of Graham Rowntree, coach since the year before? Could be. origin" allowfullscreen="">But what was to come wasn’t really a walk in the park, by any means! Munster dealt pretty easily with Glasgow Warriors in the quarter-finals, defeating them away from home (5-14). And then, it was another tricky game to come - still away from their bases, against solid fellow Irishmen from Leinster. A drop goal, two minutes before the end of the match by Jack Crowley, gave Munster the win (15-16). Isn’t he a worthy successor to ROG? With an incredible end against the two-time European Rugby Champions Cup finalist, they reach the Grand final and yet, who would have bet on them? With four wins away from home after an almost disastrous start of the season, they made it to the end - if that’s not a crazy happy ending, then what is? Yet, Crowley’s teammates had one last step. One final chapter of their story to write down.What an ending show !Twelve years without a win, although they had three shots to make it. In 2015, 2017 and 2021, Munster had reached the last step without any success. So, this May 27, 2023, the stakes were up high for the Irishmen. For the SA team as well, truth be told. Proof is: three hours after going on sale, the game was sold out at the Cape Town DHL Stadium. This final was going to be huge with more than 56,000 people who made it to that special day. A full stadium for a showpiece match. Actually, the most crowded stadium ever for any DHL Sortmers game, with 5,000 travelling Irish fans.The home side got up and running early on, as Manie Libbok intercepted and raced to the line to score the opening try. But with a yellow card for No 8 Evan Roos, the SA team got in danger and had to defend: he was yellow-carded for deliberate offside. Munster leading 2 tries to one and scoring 74 from John Hodnett the try of the victory converted by Jack Crowley. It was a hard fought final. Juste like we enjoy them. A game that could have gone either way and was in the balance until the very end. The Irish did just enough, right at the end, to defeat the defending champion (19-14) to claim a title they hadn’t won since 2011.
2020-21 Pro 14 season was different. Pandemic dictated, only twelve teams were involved, all regrouped in Europe - without South Africa. And it kind of brought back old memories. After a hat-trick last season with a victory over Ulster, Leinster hadn’t yet satisfy their appetite for more success. They managed to do something even more incredible that we could have imagined.A title for the agesSensational. Something that had never been done before. Historic.By winning an 8th United Rugby Championship title - a fourth one in a row - the 2021 version of Leinster has made history once again, securing a spot as one of the greatest club in the league history.This kind of superiority is likely to remain unmatched for a very long time. It is, indeed, quite hard to defend your title in URC: the only team to succeed in such a challenge was… Leinster, back in 2013 and 2014.And they meet again…It was a close season for Leinster and Ulster, being neck and neck in Conference A (14 wins, 2 losses each). But thanks to a display of tries in the previous games and 13 bonus points earned, the defending champion was ahead in the ranking table. One more victory over their fellow rivals in the round 14 (38-19) and Leinster had secured a top spot advancing to a 13th championship final. origin" allowfullscreen="">A 13th championship final against their best rival: Munster (recording a 14W-2L this season as well). The two Irish teams have played each other twice in a final, winning one each (Leinster in 2002 (24-20) and Munster in 2022 (19-9)). It was time to find out which one was going to take the lead.But this season’s final game didn’t take the expected take-off. Was it due to Covid-19 restriction and the empty crowd? Probably. But Porter, Keenan, Hanshaw and Cie kept up the good defensive work until Jack Conan found a breach. The only try of the match to secure a 16-6 win over Munster and an 8th championship title. origin" allowfullscreen="">Not the expected show, but a memorable time for the Irish team, fans and followers all around the globe.
This seventh edition of the championship was played with a four-country format and it might have not be obvious to bet on a Welsh team to succeed in a competition that had been mostly dominated by Ireland. But if you had look a bit closer, you would have seen that the Scarlets had signed big names before the start of the season: Rhys Patchell, Werner Kruger, Jonathan Evans and Jonathan Davies, being back from Clermont, where he was playing in the French Top 14. The favourites had a solid start of their season. As per usual - almost - Munster and Leinster took the two first positions of the ranking table. And then, surprise - or not - Scarlets and Ospreys completed the top four. Four teams qualified for the semis. No Italy, no Scotland. An unforgettable prowessAfter a strong season, Scarlets became a dangerous team and definitely a hard one to beat! In the regular games, they had only lost to Ospreys and to Leinster, winning a capital game to Munster at Thomond Park (21-30).A good preparation before what was to come: the play-offs. Firstly, they got their revenge to Leinster (15-27) at the RDS Arena, getting three tries very early on and heading to a tumultuous final. More than a good preparation. Having already won to Munster probably gave the welsh team more confidence, but this final was almost a walk in a park. They produced a brilliant display to defeat Munster in the Dublin final.With an attendance of almost 45,000 people at the Aviva Stadium, they didn’t get scared, producing a spell of superb passing and attacking prowess which saw them quickly take the lead. Liam Williams delivered an amazing performance, showing the way and scoring the opening try for what was to be his last game with the team before heading to the Saracens in England. Soon, he was imitated by Steff Evans, who scored his 11th try of the season, making him best scorer, helping his team to bring their first title since 2004. A memorable triumph.
Toulouse solid against Racing 92On the opening round of this 22nd Top 14 matchday, Stade Toulousain came out on top against Racing 92 (32-12). Two weeks after their victory over the same "Ciel et Blanc" side in the Champions Cup, the "Rouge et Noir" have consolidated their place in the Top 2. The only black mark was the attacking bonus that was left on the table at the very end of the match... But you can't have everything, even when your name is Toulouse.Replay the splendid team try scored by Blair Kinghorn Bordeaux topple Bayonne at Jean-Dauger!21 January 2022 was the date on which Jean-Dauger last fell in the league. 2 years and 3 months later, the Basques fell to a valiant Bordeaux side. With a brace from Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Union Bordeaux-Bègles climbed onto the Top 14 podium. However, this defeat relegates Bayonnais to 12th place. The Basques will have to fight until the end to keep their place in the Top 14.Louis Bielle-Biarrey's line-out try Oyonnax win for the 1st time this year!Oyonnax were the sensation of matchday 22, overturning Castres Olympique to win for the first time in 2024 (22-19). Trailing 7-19, the Oyonnaxiens managed to turn the match around, helped by the 2 red cards received by the Castres team. The win means they still have a slim hope of staying in the Top 14 next season.We show you Jonathan Ruru's try Lyon win with a bonus against PauThe LOU can rest easy. Close to the relegation zone before this match, Lyon dominated Section Paloise to win with an attacking bonus (38-20). The win gives them an 8-point lead over 13th-placed Montpellier in the TOP 14.However, the Top 6, synonymous with qualification for the play-offs, is slipping further away for Section Paloise.Watch Alexandre Tchaptchet's try for the attacking bonus. Perpignan continue their impressive run5th win in a row for USAP! The Catalan fans turned out in force in Montpellier and are now dreaming of a play-off place. With this victory (20-25), the Perpignanais are now 7th in the Top 14, just two points off 6th place!For "Les Cistes", on the other hand, defeat at the hands of their neighbours was a bitter pill to swallow. Montpellier are 13th, and their place in the elite of French rugby is not assured.We show you the try scored by Lucas Dubois, who finished off a fine team effort. Clermont outclass leaders ParisASM host leaders Paris at Le Michelin on Saturday evening. Quickly reduced to 14 men after Halaifonua was shown the red card, Stade Français sank at Clermont. A 41-18 victory for the Jaunards with an attacking bonus. A hat-trick from Alivereti Raka gave the Clermontois some breathing space in the red zone.Vibre in front of one of the best tries of the weekend. It was scored by Baptiste Jauneau. La Rochelle on top at homeFaced with a reshuffled Toulon side, Stade Rochelais secured the essential victory (27-17). In a match in which the two teams went head to head, it was the Maritimes who had the last word thanks to a final try from Oscar Jegou.Toulon lost the defensive bonus at the very end of the match...In the standings, the Rochelais are 5th and the Toulonnais are 6th.We show you the first try of the match, scored by Mathieu Smaili.
Farewell Celtic League. Goodbye Pro14. It is time for something new. Something fresh. Please welcome the United Rugby Championship. A new name to represent elite clubs across two hemispheres, because yes, it is also time to welcome the four new South Africa teams: Sharks, Stormers, Lions and Bulls. As incredible as it seems, two of them made it to the final for their very first year. What a start! But let’s rewind back to a crazy season, when the new teams have gained confidence through the year. Stormers lead the wayIn this new environment of 16 teams, they’ve all been separated into regional shield pools. And Stormers led the way to the South African one. With only four losses - the best total overall, all teams included - they finished second of the table ranking. Only Leinster, in the Irish group, did better in terms of wins with thirteen victories. One more win and six more points that made the reigning champion leader of the overall ranking table. Bulls’ achievement As the eight first teams made it to the play-offs, only Stormers, Ulster, Bulls and Leinster played the semis. An interesting South-African - Irish duel for a spot in the Grand final. And it was a massive choc in Dublin. The defending champion was knocked out of the competition against a brilliant Bulls ambush. The reigning champion, who had already lost to La Rochelle in the European Champions Cup less than a month ago, didn’t manage to get the best of the Bull’s aggressiveness. A super-close game (26-27) that stopped the Irish province from getting a fifth successive title, and a first final for the SA team of Pretoria. A great revenge for Jake White’s team who had lost in Ireland on the opening week (31-3) and didn’t want to live the same experience twice. On the other semi, Stormers got past Ulster with the same difficulty (17-15).A first URC final for a first SA derbyIt was definitely not the expected final - rather a real showpiece between two traditional rivals. But a great show to come between two teams that had both won 10 of their last 11 games as they marched through the play-offs.More than their individual performances, for the very first time in history the final of the competition did not include at least one Irish province. A great for time for the newbies, ending a run of 14 years dominated by Ireland. Prior to their arrival in the URC, the two teams had already met once in the Super Rugby final, Bulls winning (25-17) giving them a third title in four years. A crazy victory led then by Morne Steyn - still in the squad but on the bench for this special day to come. A packed Cape Town stadium welcomed Cheslin Kolbe and Victor Matfield to bring the trophy onto the pitch before celebrating what would for sure be a historical moment.Bulls were off to a better start. Ten points to three before half-time in a game dominated by kicking and gaining territory. But what could stop them from lifting their very first URC trophy in history? Probably their lack of discipline even though another part of the answer came from Evan Ross. At 22 years old, the No 8 had been playing incredible rugby the whole season and it made perfect sense that the rebellion came from the one awarded as the Next Gen Player of the year. Back from the locker-room craving to score, he turned things upside down in the game. The leading team suddenly became the defensive one and as discipline stayed a weakness, Cornal Hendricks left the pitch for 10 minutes. After almost an hour of play, Stormers eventually led the way and never let it go. Libbok secured the victory (18-13) with a drop-goal five minutes right before celebrating with teammates, becoming at the same time the player to score the most points in the regular season.
It’s a revengeful Warriors’ team that found their way to a second final in a row. Losing to Leinster the year before - the Irish becoming the first club ever to retain the trophy - the stakes were up high on the Scottish front. That season also marked something huge rugby wise: for the very first time in the league history, Leinster started the season without Brian O’Driscoll who had retired after 186 appearances with the green jersey and one last title. A good startThey were on a streak. After their 2014 campaign, Warriors kept going with the same intensity in their rugby. Sixteen wins at the end of the regular season and they easily and logically finished first of the ranking table. Right behind, Munster didn’t have any reason to blush either. 75 points as well but one less victory and they were second. Play-offs didn’t seem to be a huge obstacle as they quickly took the lead against welsh from Ospreys (21-18). The story could have been completely different for the Scot. Right before the 60th minute, Ulster was on the lead (6-17). Ulster was also dominating. It was then hard to know if the Warriors could turn the situation around. The stroke of genius came from Daniel Sander Merwe. One try, five minutes before the whistle was blown and the two teams were up to 14 all. Then, it all happened between the feet of Finn Russell. For his second season with the blue jersey, he had now the kick of the victory to kick. And he did it. 16-14. Warriors were off to a second final in a row. Exceptional. And the best was yet to come. An ever better endingThis one might have been an easy one. Truth be told - they probably deserved it after such a long and intense season. And once more, they showed a team with much character. Munster and O’Connell might differ opinion since their giant second row was playing his last rugby game. Not the expected farewell, but he’ll remain a name we remember as lock reference. A great player and a great man who gave so much to rugby.Warriors quickly and easily scored three first-half tries and Finn Russell sealed the win with a fourth right before the hour was indicated on the clock. With joy and emotion, Townsend’s men triumphed by 18 points (13-31) in a not very contested final but such a joyful one for the Scottish side.Glasgow had never won the title. No - not a single Scottish team had won a professional trophy, and that’s something to remember. A remarkable day for Scotland. A date to remember. At last, a trophy for a Scottish club in the professional rugby history.
LegendaryPlays offers unique rewards that you can earn by completing your My Legendary XV album.Below are the rewards you can win.More experiments to come... Attends the post-match press conference for a TOP 14 match 2 tickets to watch the TOP 14 final in a box with a rugby star A close encounter with the ultimate prize, the Brennus Shield So how do you go about winning these exceptional awards?You buy play packs, complete your album, and see your ranking on the leadeardboard (coming soon).It's first come, first served, so don't wait if you want an unforgettable experience.
LegendaryPlays offers unique rewards that you can earn by completing your My Legendary XV album. Below are the rewards you can try to win. An all-inclusive hospitality experience for 2 at the URC 2023/24 Grand Final + €500 pocket money Have you ever imagined experiencing the URC Final in dream conditions? Pack your bags: wherever it takes place, two places for you and your guest are waiting! And to make sure you experience this event in the best possible conditions, you'll have an extra €500 in your pocket!Receive a signed shirt from the players of your favourite clubDo you want to be able to show off in front of all your mates? Do you want to be the star of your entourage? We'll give you a signed shirt from your favourite players! A unique and priceless prize that you can win thanks to LegendaryPlays.Follow in the footsteps of a legend by getting your boots worn on the pitch! A pair of incredible shoes that will have experienced a URC tournament match like you could never have imagined! So, are you ready to slip your feet into them?The VIP URC TV Pass is finally here! Put on your fan gear and watch the matches you want in front of your TV. You'll have access to all URC matches for 1 year. So make the most of it and enjoy the biggest matches in the league. Remember when you were a kid? You used to dream of meeting your favourite player, the one who made you love this sport, the one who made you thrill in front of the television. Now you can meet him for real! You can experience an unforgettable meet and greet with your urc rugby hero. Win a signed ball from your favourite URC club.Have you always wanted to catch the ball in the stands and take it home?We've got something even better for you! A ball signed by all the players of your favourite URC club. But don't play with this one, the signatures might fade...If you love going to the stadium to experience inexplicable and unrivalled emotions, then this is the prize for you. Win a season ticket for your favourite URC club for the 2024-25 season and attend every home round of matches. So how do you go about earning these exceptional rewards? Buy play packs, complete your album, and check your ranking on the leadeardboard. Can't find it? No problem! To spice up the game, the first few weeks are blind. You put together your team and develop it according to the strategy you choose: your dream line-up, jerseys from 1 to 15, 100% moments from your favourite club. There are many ways to earn bonus points for consistency. You can check them out here. When the league table is published, you'll know where you stand in relation to the other players. What tactics will you adopt to aim for the top of the leaderboard: racking up boosters, adding rare Plays, working on the consistency of your XV? The first to arrive will be the first to be served, so don't wait if you want to enjoy some unforgettable experiences. Do you know which one to choose if you reach the TOP 30 on 31 May 2024?
TOULON OUTCLASS MHR On the opening day of this 19th Top 14 round, Toulon literally blew Montpellier out of the water (54-7). With 8 tries scored, "Les Varois" are back in the Top 6, synonymous with qualification for the finals. Review Duncan Paia'aua's try PERPIGNAN WIN CRUCIAL MATCH FOR SURVIVAL In the battle for survival, the Catalans won by the slimmest of margins against Oyonnax (14-15). The win takes USAP out of the relegation zone. However, the home defeat (almost) doomed the Oyonnax side. Watch Alistair Crossdale's solo try RACING SPRING A SURPRISE IN CASTRES With the return of Le Garrec, Gibert and Fickou, the team from Paris won in the final minutes at Pierre-Fabre (21-23). It was a hugely important win, and one that secures their place in the Top 6. Vibre ahead of the personal achievement of Racing winger, Christian Wade CLERMONT REASSURES AGAINST PAU After their disappointing draw against Oyonnax, Clermont were eagerly awaited when they took on Section Paloise. In a match that featured 8 tries, it was the Yellow and Blue who had the last word, winning 31-28. Check out Baptiste Jauneau 's try after some excellent work by his forwards. STADE FRANÇAIS CONFIRM TOP SPOT After being outplayed by Lyon for over an hour, the Parisians came out like champions at the end of the match. The pink soldiers remain leaders of the championship with this victory over the LOU (22-13). We show you winger Lester Etien's try from the end of the line. BAYONNE BY A HAIR AGAINST LA ROCHELLE The Basques continue their incredible unbeaten run at Jean-Dauger! Trailing 13-0, the Rochelais responded at the end of the match to pull back to within a point of the Aviron (13-12). Hastoy even had the match ball two minutes from time. But he only hit the post... Victory by a tiny point for Bayonne. Watch the magnificent team effort by the Rochelais, finished off by Judicaël Cancoriet. BORDEAUX WITHSTANDS TOULOUSAIN'S COMEBACK It was THE match of the day. In an electric atmosphere at the Matmut Atlantique, Bordeaux seemed to be heading for an easy victory, leading 24-7 at the break. But the Toulouse team came back strongly just after the break. It was not enough against Bordeaux, who held their nerve at the end of the match. Victory 31-28 for UBB. Watch again the speedy try by France international Damian Penaud.
LA ROCHELLE POWER 5 AGAINST STADE FRANÇAIS On the opening day of the 18th TOP 14 season, "Les Maritimes" beat leaders Paris 23-3 with an attacking bonus. For the first time this season, Ronan O'Gara's men are in the TOP 6! Watch the fantastic try by South African winger Dillyn Leyds. CLERMONT AND OYONNAX GO HEAD TO HEAD In the battle of the Auvergne Rhône-Alpes, Clermont and Oyonnax played out a 15-15 draw. Plisson and Miotti scored all 15 of their teams' points from penalties-kick See Domingo Miotti's penalty-kick at the siren, which gave Oyonnax a draw. LYON ON TOP AGAINST CO After their rout in the Basque Country, Lyon won 34-19 in front of their home crowd against Castres Olympique. An attacking bonus earned at the very end of the match means that the LOU are now well clear of the relegation zone. Replay the first try of the match, scored by3rd row Jordan Taufua. MONTPELLIER WIN BY THE SLIMMEST OF MARGINS AGAINST UBB The MHR secured the vital points against Bordeaux with a narrow 10-3 victory. This was the fourth consecutive victory for the Montpellier side, who have confirmed their revival this season. Replay the only try of the match, scored by Cobus Reinach. PAU DEFEATS BAYONNE IN AN XXL MATCH 82 points scored, 42 to 40 for Section, it was THE match of the weekend! The 64 derby produced an 11-try encounter in which Pau and Bayonne went head to head. In the midst of all this madness, there was one magnificent try! It was scored by Palois winger Théo Attisogbe. PERPIGNAN TOPPLES TOULOUSE IN 2024! The reigning French champions fell to the Catalans! After 8 straight wins in all competitions, Stade Toulousain lost for the first time in 2024. It was a late win for the Catalans (27-17), who are always irreproachable at Aimé-Giral. Discover the winning try, scored by Tommaso Allan RACING GET BACK TO WINNING WAYS (AT LAST) After 5 consecutive league defeats, Racing 92 got back to winning ways with a 20-6 victory over RCT at Paris La Défense-Arena. The win keeps "Les Ciel et Blanc" in the Top 6 of the Top 14. Replay the only try of the match scored by Maxime Baudonne.
What if we took a step back in time? What if we relived the best actions of the French championship?Legendary Plays has selected 49 iconic Top 14 players just for you. You'll be able to rediscover some of these players' finest actions and most memorable moments.This collection will take you back ten or even twenty years! Without further ado, here is a presentation of some of the players in this collection.Christophe Dominici, the shooting starAgainst Biarritz Olympique, in the Top 16 final at the time, Christophe Dominici scored one of the finest tries ever scored in a French championship final.He picked up the ball on the halfway line, accelerated but was caught out...But he wasn't held! He rose to his feet at lightning speed, after sliding off his knees. His top speed then did the rest as he finished behind the try line. It was quite a career for the man with 67 caps for the French national team, and winner of the 1998 V Nations Tournament and 3 Six Nations Tournaments. A two-time European runner-up and 5-time French champion with Stade Français, Dominici was one of the greatest French wingers in history. Frédéric Michalak, the gifted FrenchmanDuring the 2001 final between Stade Toulousain and ASM Clermont, Michalak used his full range of skills to score a penalty from almost 50 metres. At just 19 years of age, the player trained at Stade Toulousain is discovering himself in the eyes of the rugby world.And his record of achievements is STRATOSPHERIC. Three times French champion (2 with Toulouse and 1 with Toulon), 6 times European champion (3 with Toulouse and 3 with Toulon). He has won the Six Nations Tournament 4 times, including 3 Grand Slams, and is the highest scorer in the history of the French national team with 436 points! Are you still alive? We can hardly believe it! Sébastien Chabal, Hummmm « Chabal »Naturally, this list includes the monster, the beast that is Sébastien Chabal, 62 caps for the French national team. A 113-kilogram colossus colliding with you at full speed obviously leaves its mark. His monstrous tackle in the Top 16 semi-final in 2003-2004 was a case in point.Click here to try to obtain his extraordinary tackleTo his credit? Two Six Nations tournaments, in the squad for two Rugby World Cups with Les Bleus. Apart from winning the French Pro D2 title with LOU in 2014, his record of achievements in France unfortunately does not reflect his career... A SENSATIONAL player that French rugby will never forget. Juan-Martin Hernandez, “El Mago”Juan-Martin Hernandez scored his side's only try of the semi-final in the corner against Bourgoin with his club Stade Français. It was a crucial try that sent the Parisians into the final at the Stade de France, before they went on to win it.A two-time French champion with Stade Français and European champion in 2015 with RCT, the Argentinian magician has spent some fine seasons on French soil. Whether he played as an opener, fullback, centre or even winger, his time in France was marked by his vision and exceptional intelligence. Hernandez won 74 caps for the Pumas, with whom he played in three World Cups. A monstrous career for an exceptional player. Imanol Harinordoquy, the leaping basqueDuring the Basque Country derby between Biarritz Olympique and Aviron Bayonnais, Imanol Harinordoquy was on the receiving end of a clever overhead kick from Dimitri Yachvili.The Basque player has won twice the French championship with Biarritz Olympique and is a two-time finalist in the European Cup.Winner of 4 Six Nations tournaments with the French team, including 3 Grand Slams (2002, 2004 and 2010), Imanol has also taken part in three Rugby World Cups, reaching the final in 2011. Finishing his career with Stade Toulousain, Harinordoquy's career was a reflection of his size (1.92 metres and 105 kilos): HUGE. You can find other old-fashioned players in our collection:Fabien Galthié : Stade Français 🇫🇷Xavier Garbajosa : Stade Toulousain 🇫🇷Florian Fritz : Stade Toulousain 🇫🇷Rupeni Caucaunibuca : SU Agen 🇫🇯Napolioni Nalaga : ASM 🇫🇯Jonny Wilkinson : RCT 🏴Jean-Baptiste Elissalde : Stade Toulousain 🇫🇷Julien Arias : Stade Français 🇫🇷Yann Delaigue : Castres Olympique 🇫🇷Dimitri Szarzewski : Stade Français 🇫🇷Brock James : ASM 🇦🇺Sonny Bill Williams : RCT 🇳🇿Lionel Beauxis : Stade Français 🇫🇷Pierre Mignoni : ASM 🇫🇷Pepito Elhorga : Aviron Bayonnais 🇫🇷Patricio Albacete : Stade Toulousain 🇦🇷Felipe Contepomi : RCT 🇦🇷Julien Malzieu : ASM 🇫🇷Byron Kelleher : Stade Toulousain 🇳🇿Iain Balshaw : Biarritz Olympique 🏴Julien Dupuy : Stade Français 🇫🇷Clément Poitrenaud : Stade Toulousain 🇫🇷Joe Van Niekerk : RCT 🇿🇦David Skrela : ASM 🇫🇷Sireli Bobo : Racing 🇫🇯Paul Sackey : Stade Français 🏴Luke McAlister : Stade Toulousain 🇳🇿Romain Teulet : Castres Olympique 🇫🇷Matt Giteau : RCT 🇦🇺Benoit August : Biarritz Olympique 🇫🇷Ignacio Corleto : Stade Français 🇦🇷Jamie Cudmore : ASM 🇨🇦Jean-Baptiste Poux : Stade Toulousain 🇫🇷Lionel Nallet : Racing 🇫🇷Mario Ledesma : ASM 🇦🇷Nicolas Brusque : Biarritz Olympique 🇫🇷Nicolas Mas : USAP 🇫🇷Pascal Pape : Stade Français 🇫🇷Percy Montgomery : USAP 🇿🇦Rodrigo Capo-Ortega: Castres Olympique 🇺🇾Sylvain Marconnet: Stade Français 🇫🇷Thibaut Privat: ASM 🇫🇷William Servat: Stade Toulousain 🇫🇷Yoann Maestri: Stade Toulousain 🇫🇷All these players and their actions are now available on Legendary Plays So don't wait, open your pack the old-fashioned way and let the magic begin.
Toulouse improve against neighbours Castres The South-West derby quickly turned in favour of Ugo Mola's men. Impressively effective, Toulouse outclassed their neighbours with 5 tries scored (33-6). A bonus-point victory that puts Stade Toulousain comfortably in the top 2 of the rankings. Watch the try scored by Juan-Cruz Mallia Bayonne outclass LOU in the race to stay up In an important game at the bottom of the table, it was the Basques who came out on top, and with flying colours. In front of their home crowd at Jean-Dauger, Bayonnais waited until the hour mark to turn the match in their favour (39-10). Replay the5th Bayonnais try by fullback Cheikh Tiberghien Montpellier record 3rd consecutive win over Oyonnax Les Cistes confirm their current good form. The MHR won at Oyonnax (35-39). The win sees the Montpellier side leave the red zone for the first time since matchday 4! Oyonnax remain in last place in the Top 14. Watch again the try by Montpellier3rd row Nico Janse Van Rensburg Stade Français consolidate top spot The Parisians beat Section Paloise 25-12 at the Stade Jean-Bouin. Thanks to a brace from the inevitable Sekou Macalou, Stade Français clinched an attacking bonus point and remain top of the league. See one of Sekou Macalou's tries Toulon forget the bonus point against USAP A convincing victory for "Les Varois" on their home turf against USAP (44-22). Gaël Drean scored twice, enabling Toulon to regain a place in the top 6. USAP, on the other hand, find themselves relegated. Enjoy the crazy run made by Toulon winger Gaël Drean Bordeaux reassure themselves against Racing After their heavy defeat at Castres, UBB responded well in front of their home crowd with an easy 21-5 win over Racing 92. With Nicolas Depoortere on fire, Bordeaux are back on the podium. The Francilians, on the other hand, are on a downward spiral, suffering their fifth successive defeat in the league... For you, the Nicolas Depoortere rocket ! La Rochelle close in on the Top 6 It was a victory that will do La Rochelle's morale a world of good. In poor form since the start of the season, the Maritimes put on a show at Marcel-Deflandre. By scoring no fewer than 6 tries, the "Yellow and Black" secured a valuable attacking bonus point in the race for qualification. Final score? 42-3! You can see Teddy Thomas' try here
Montpellier secure home advantage Buoyed by their comfortable win at Racing last week, Montpellier are continuing their drive to stay in the top flight. Les Cistes won on home turf against a valiant Bayonnais side (28-23). The Basques secured a precious bonus point at the end of the match. Replay the MHR team try, scored by Brandon Paenga Amosa Pau dispose of Toulon Following their success at Chaban-Delmas, Section Paloise overcame RCT this weekend (17-9). It was a small but precious victory for the Palois, who are back in the TOP 6. Watch the interception that led to Luke Withelock's try USAP win with bonus point against La Rochelle The Catalans have confirmed that they will be hard to beat at Aimé-Giral. Perpignan beat the European champions 27-15 with an attacking bonus. Replay of Tommaso Allan's splendid try from the line Castres Olympique roll over UBB In the top-of-the-table match, it was Castres Olympique who came out on top against Bordeaux. A bonus-point win (41-12) sees Jeremy Davidson's men join the Top 14 podium. Take a look at the first try scored by Jack Goodhue, the all-black centre in the colours of the CO. Lyon take a breath of fresh air LOU Rugby beat Oyonnax 43-26 in a match crucial to their survival. The Lyon side are now 10th in the table, while Oyonnax are more relegated than ever. Watch Davit Niniashvili's splendid try Stade Français take the derby by storm The Paris derby was the eagerly-awaited match of matchday 16. The match ended in a solid victory for Stade Français at La Défense Arena (11-27). With Peniasi Dakuwaqa on fire, the men in pink are still top of the Top 14. Vibre ahead of Peniasi Dakuwaqa 's crazy 127-metre run! Toulouse's Espoirs win at Clermont It's THE big win of the 16th matchday. With a (very) young team, Toulouse won the battle against Clermont (33-37). With no fewer than 10 tries scored in the match, Ugo Mola's men join Stade Français at the top of the table. Watch Arthur Retière's speedy try
Lyon bounce back against Rochelais. The LOU beat the reigning European champions 28-17 thanks in particular to a brace from Baptiste Couilloud. The Lyon side have given themselves some breathing space, but are still under pressure in the race to avoid relegation. Check out the trickster try by Lyon's captain. Pau score big in Bordeaux Section Paloise beat Union Bordeaux Bègles 20-10 at Chaban-Delmas. The Béarnais are back on track after a run of 4 consecutive defeats, while the Girondins have come to a real standstill. Replay the first try of the match scored by Axel Desperes Paris snatch bonus point from USAP. The pink soldiers were held by the Catalans for 60 minutes before winning 32-19. The Parisians take the offensive bonus point and the lead in the French championship. Watch the 4th Parisian try by Rory Kockott. Racing humiliated by Montpellier. The league's bottom side pulled off a major coup with a 44-20 win at Paris La Défense Arena. The bonus-point win moves the Cistes back to within a point of 12th place. You will find the trial of Christopher Tolofua, who arrived a week ago from Toulon. Toulouse beat Oyonnax in a festival of tries The red-and-black duel was won by Toulouse with a (prolific) score of 61-34. It was a big win with an attacking bonus, marked by a four-try haul from Paul Graou, named man of the match. Watch one of the tries scored by Toulouse's scrum-half Bayonne win their tussle with Clermont. The Basques maintained their unbeaten home record by beating ASM 21-13. Grégory Patat's men continue to defend the impregnable Jean-Dauger turf, and are now in tenth place in the league. Watch again the try by Bayonne centre Guillaume Martocq. Castres dominate Toulon and return to the top 6 In this duel between contenders for the final stages of the competition, Castres defeated Toulon 25-17. Thanks to this victory, the Castrais are back in the Top 6 and confirming their good momentum. The winning try was scored by Josaia Raisuqe, and you can relive it here!
UBB's young winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey gave the French team the victory in the Six Nations match against Scotland (16-20). Scoring a solitary try with 10 minutes remaining, 'LBB' demonstrated his extraordinary athletic qualities to the French people. At just 20 years of age, the Bordeaux winger is slowly establishing himself as a starter in the French team. Find out more about Bielle-Biarrey's greatest Top 14 tries for Bordeaux. Legendary Plays tells you all about his qualities.A rare precocity: first try at 18!it was in March 2022, against ASM, that Louis Bielle-Biarrey scored his very first Top 14 try! Well served by an amazing pass between the legs of Gatien Massé, he picked up the ball on the wing and accelerated to finish behind the goal line. The first try of a long series. He's barely of age, but he's already fearless. Votre navigateur ne prend pas en charge la lecture de la vidéo. Crazy speed, amazing stepsAgainst the Stade Toulousain on the round 24 of the 2022-23 Top 14 season, Bielle-Biarrey was at the end of a splendid move by UBB. Pierre Bochaton escaped along the touchline and fed his winger inside. The Girondin accelerated and left aside Retière with a side step before finishing between the posts. It was a try that confirmed that the 19-year-old winger was in the process of blossoming at the highest level. Votre navigateur ne prend pas en charge la lecture de la vidéo. A constant concern for supportAnother illustration of his qualities, this time against LOU Rugby. On the 6 of the 2022/23 Top 14 season, Jalibert broke through the Lyon defence in midfield. Louis Bielle-Biarrey stepped up to the ball and all he had to do was to extend his stride to score his 2nd Top 14 try. Votre navigateur ne prend pas en charge la lecture de la vidéo. Concluding aloneThis try he created all by himself! Against Montpellier, Bielle-Biarrey was on the left wing with no space in between... He took out two opponent players with a magnificent inside step, accelerated and then literally put the last defender down to score a try of his own. An action worthy of the greatest! Votre navigateur ne prend pas en charge la lecture de la vidéo. A scorer's instinctIt was against Oyonnax a few months ago, in December 2023 to be precise. Under the snow, Maxime Lucu kicked a penalty right next to the posts... The Oyonnax backs couldn't catch the ball and 'LLB', who came in at full speed, scored the try. It was a "strange" one, but opportunistic one for the international winger. Votre navigateur ne prend pas en charge la lecture de la vidéo.
5-point victory for USAP over RacingPerpignan comfortably beat the Racing 92 on their Aimé-Giral field (26-5). The bonus-point victory moves the Catalans away from the red zone, where they now lie 11th in the table.With this defeat, the team from the Paris region lose their spot at the top of the table and drop to the 4th one.Louis Dupichot's early try. Stade Français win at OyonnaxWith their 19-23 victory over Oyonnax, the Parisians are now at the top of the Top 14. The men in pink have confirmed that they are serious contenders for the title.Despite their defeat, we show you the powerful try scored by former Parisian Théo Millet. Clermont improve against LyonClermont won their 4th consecutive win in all competitions against LOU. With 6 tries scored, ASM pocketed the attacking bonus point and returned to the Top 6.Watch the try scored by Fijian third row Peceli Yato. La Rochelle secures victory over MontpellierLa Rochelle battled hard, but came out on top against MHR. An 18-10 victory in front of their home crowd keeps the Maritimes in touch with the play-off places.Brice Dulin's try was a model combination. Castres scores big against PauCastres' run of bad luck came to an end at Pau. After 4 straight defeats in the league, the CO won nicely against the Section Paloise (33-44). Les Béarnais, on the other hand, have been at a standstill for a few weeks now, suffering their 4th consecutive defeat in the league.You can find Vilimoni Botitu's try here. Toulouse at the very end against BayonneAfter a long struggle against a courageous Bayonne team, Toulouse finally came out on top against the Basques (46-26). This last-gasp bonus-point win means that Ugo Mola's men can hold on to the 2nd place in the table.Replay Antoine Dupont's splendid chistera for Pita Ahki. Bordeaux wins at Toulon for the first time in their history!It was THE match of the 14th round! Union Bordeaux-Bègles won in Toulon, something they had never managed to do before. A sumptuous try from Nicolas Depoortère gave Bordeaux victory at the very end of the match.
Stade Français spring a surprise in Bordeaux!The club from the French capital beat Union Bordeaux-Bègles 26-30 at Chaban-Delmas. It was a real performance from the men in pink, enabling them to leapfrog their opponents in the standings.Watch the best try of the match, scored on the counterattack by Romain Buros. Bayonne secure the points against OyonnaxThe Aviron gave itself a scare against a valiant team of USO. Trailing 14-6 after half an hour, the Basques turned the tide to maintain their unbeaten home record (21-17). A deft try from Aurélien Callandret gave Bayonne the victory at Jean Dauger. Clermont come from behind to beat CastresASM won 20-23 at Pierre-Fabre! It was a fantastic performance from the Yellow army, who confirmed their two last very good matches in the Challenge Cup. On the other hand, it was a second consecutive home defeat for Les Castrais.A worrying setback, despite Santiago Arata's bright try. Tough Lyon solid against USAPIn a hard-fought match, with 3 tries each, it was the LOU who emerged victorious (36-24). After suffering 45-0 at Ernest Wallon, the Rhodanians reacted well against Perpignan.Take a look back at the amazing try scored by Baptiste Couilloud. His fourth of the season. MHR give themselves some air against PauLast in the table, Montpellier needed to win at all costs against Pau. They did just that, with a precious 22-17 win. Jan Serfontein's early try was a major factor in the "Héraultais" success. Toulon wins by the skin of their teethOn Saturday evening's match between Toulon and La Rochelle, it was the men in Red and Black that came out on top at the very end. A final penalty kick from Melvyn Jaminet gave the RCT victory (25-23). Toulouse wins at the Defense ArenaIn the match of the day, it was Toulouse who emerged victorious. A final try from Ange Capuozzo gave Toulouse a precious victory (20-27).
This Wednesday, the Netflix platform launches its series devoted to the Six Nations Tournament. It's a documentary that gives the cameras plenty of space, including the dressing rooms. It's enough to plunge rugby into a mini existential crisis: do we have to show everything in order to please everyone? Desire was stronger than fantasy. Using the same recipe and the same levers as for its successful series devoted to Formula 1 or the Tour de France, Netflix is yet unveiling another secret. This time, it smells of Dolpic and tough talk. The dressing room of the VI Nations has opened its doors to the cameras and microphones of the American giant. In its quest for information, the public wants to know everything, and even see everything. And they are even prepared to pay for it.It's a bit of a blow for the oval traditionalists, who are sometimes nostalgic for a not-so-distant past. These guardians of the temple are former players or coaches. Sometimes both, like Pierre Berbizier (56 caps). Finalist in the 1987 World Cup as a player, semi-finalist in 1995 as coach, he knows this magical place by heart. Supernatural even. "For the general public, the dressing room remains a mystery. Seeing normal people go into this place, this cage, and seeing them come out like lions. Then to return to that place, and become normal people again. So you wonder what goes on in there to transform people completely".Olivier Magne (89 caps) strikes the same tone: "In the history of rugby, the dressing room has always been a secret place. And that secrecy has given rise to tales, legends... sometimes things that never happened there! It has generated very strong images and beliefs". Imagination, an infinite source of belief".This thirst for reality raises some simple questions: should everything be shown? Doesn't part of the magic lie in the invisible? That's Pierre Berbizier's opinion: "I think you have to keep the mystery in the dressing room. I've always accepted people. But I reduced it to very few. Because it has to be earned. Once the public has seen everything, it will demystify the place. On the contrary, I think you have to make people dream. Let them imagine what can happen there. You have to feed the fantasy. Living it is sometimes a disappointment".Opening the dressing room to others: fear of what?Rugby is a lascivious art, where things are suggested rather than shown. "I'm prepared to make people imagine things: to tell them what goes on there, explains Pierre Berbizier. But I don't like to show it. The dressing room has become a set and for me, it should remain a place where things happen".So what is it about the dressing room that bothers the players so much and gives rise to such mistrust? One word quickly comes to mind: shamelessness. "There are things that belong only to the players. Having shared important moments with team-mates, one look is enough to remind us of those moments that belong to us. They're ours alone," says Olivier Magne. "In the dressing room, you have complete privacy. It's where you meet up with your partners, your brothers in arms, and it's there that you really lay yourself bare. I wouldn't have wanted those moments to be public," he concludes.Richard Dourthe (31 caps for the French national team) agrees: "You can't know everything, there's no such thing. Pierre Berbizier said it very well: you have to earn it. The dressing room is a man's life. It's intimate. It's family life. And in family life there are arguments, in the life of a couple, there are arguments. And you don't want to go public with that".Behaviour influenced by cameras?Nostalgic, a little. But certainly not old-fashioned. Richard Dourthe readily admits that "media coverage is still very important for our sport. Because people can see that rugby is not a simple sport. It's a very tactical and strategic sport". Olivier Magne, for his part, thinks "it's rather good to show certain things. I'm even in favour of it. But wanting to open up to the media and the general public doesn't mean showing everything. Rugby and sport in general should have places like the dressing room. I'd like us to open up something that isn't the real dressing room. A sort of pre-changing room... a vestibule (laughs)!Because even among the glorious old-timers, no one questions the need for media coverage, the growing popularity, the need to please and satisfy a demanding public. But everyone has their own ideas. For Richard Dourthe, a finalist at the 1999 World Cup, there is a fine line. Showing things, why not. But without adding sound to this special place. It's a fine line, but one that he's trying to clarify: "What's said in the dressing room should stay there. As far as I'm concerned, there's no problem with cameras. But not the sound. Because images let the imagination work. Sound doesn't. He continues: "In all combat sports, there's bound to be over-motivation and irritation. I don't know a rugby player who walks onto a pitch and isn't scared. But you have to find ways of transforming that apprehension into courage. And sometimes that means saying things that can't be said elsewhere and that would be very badly perceived by civil society".Behind this mistrust lies another fear. That of the staging. Exaggerated headphones and shouting, false-sounding speeches and a few fake looks. Olivier Magne gives us his view of the "inside" camera: "Introducing the camera doesn't allow us to be completely naked. Even if you end up forgetting about the camera, it's not completely absent. Your behaviour, your actions, everything is also directed by the image you project. The players are very careful, and I think that certain things happen or don't happen because of the presence of this camera in the dressing room".An observer who becomes a player in spite of himself. Pierre Berbizier is convinced: "We're preparing for a fight. As soon as you have an outside eye, with a camera, they are no longer turned inwards. When you look at the guys, their attitudes are not the same".A new job, a place to findAndréa Lebourgeois is one of those famous "intruders". At just over 60 metres tall, she knows how to make herself even smaller to capture moments of life and moments of truth within the women's French national team. But always with modesty. "No, there's no voyeurism. I know what I'm shooting, and I know that there are things I'm not going to put in the report because it's too intimate". She has become more aware of her profession. "You don't have to show everything to show what's going on within the French national team. Andréa adds, "My job is to make sure they don't see me. It's when they stop paying attention to me that I say to myself, 'That's it, you're part of the team'. It's being at the heart of the action without participating". It was probably this sensitivity that helped Andréa quickly find her place. You have to strike a delicate balance between discretion and omnipresence. "I don't have a big camera, I have a small camera. Besides, I'm small and I'm a girl in a girl's dressing room. I make myself forgotten. Physically, it's difficult to find my place in the changing room, to find the place where I'm going to be the least visible".Like a player, it takes time to find your feet. And sometimes even their place. "In the first match against Italy, people were watching me. But after that first week, I felt that the girls were more at ease. And then in New Zealand, for the chat, I was crouched down in the middle, they were all around me, and at no point did I feel out of place. I really feel that today they've totally understood where I belong and what I'm doing.No one will be able to say whether unreal magic or naked truth should prevail. Or whether rugby should live through this questioning in suffering or in joy. The fact remains that the first issue of this new series will be available from 24 January. A first episode that, like the questions it raises, will inevitably lead to others.
Fabien Galthié has just unveiled the list of 34 French players who will take part in the 2024 VI Nations Tournament. Three months after the failure of the World Cup, the French national team wants to turn the page once and for all, and has just one goal in mind: to win again.Let's take a look at the players who could be celebrating their 1st cap for France. Nolann Le Garrec (Racing 92, 21):With Antoine Dupont preparing for the Olympic Games with the French 7 team, Nolann Le Garrec is likely to make his 1st appearance for the Blues. Having made an excellent start to the season with the Racing 92, the 21-year-old scrum-half has already scored 6 tries in Top 14 this year. He will have the opportunity to show the whole rugby world his talent the international level. Nicolas Depoortère (Union Bordeaux-Bègles, 21):World champion with the under 20s in 2023 and top scorer in the competition with 5 tries, Depoortère is the new star of French rugby. At just 21, the Bordeaux-born player has been a key figure in his team this season. Behind Jonathan Danty and Gael Fickou in the pecking order, will the 1.93m centre make his first appearance for the French national team? Possibly this season. Emmanuel Meafou (Stade Toulousain, 25):Naturalised French last November, the Toulouse second row is Australian born but has the measurement of an American fridge: 2.03 metres for 145 kilos! Barring injury, Meafou will play his first match for the French team in this 6 Nations Tournament. The scorer of 12 tries last season with his club the Stade Toulousain, he could already be the spearhead of Fabien Galthié's front eight. Esteban Abadie (RC Toulon, 26):His latest performances with RCT were so convincing that Fabien Galthié couldn't ignore them. The third row jumps, runs and tackles, often better than the others. The leader of Toulon's defence seems to have gone one step further on the Rade. The next step? Doing it in a shirt with the roster on it ! Antoine Gibert (Racing 92, 26):Consistent with the Racing since the departure of Finn Russell, the Frenchman has assumed his role a leader. Versatile facilitator, the Frenchman is capable of playing scrum or fly half. This is probably one of the reasons, in addition to his talent, that convinced the Tricolor staff to take him on board. Matthias Halagahu (RC Toulon, 22):This is THE surprise of the list for the first match of the Tournament. Toulon's second row was preferred to Paul Willemse. It's a strong choice, and one that speaks a lot about the hopes around the future of the player. This season, he has played 14 matches, starting 10 of them.
LA ROCHELLE CONFIRMS AGAINST THE SECTION PALOISEOn the back of their win over reigning champions Toulouse, the Stade Rochelais pulled off the biggest coup of the day with a 20-29 victory at Le Hameau. With a superb late try from Teddy Thomas, the Maritimes confirmed their revival at the start of 2024.MONTPELLIER REASSURES ITSELF AGAINST TOULONLast in the league with just 2 wins out of 11 games played, the MHR was desperate to win against the RCT. Patrice Collazo's men did just that, and thanks to a late try from Paul Willemse, they secured the essential points with a 27-17 win over Toulon.TOULOUSE OUTCLASS LE LOUIt was THE big performance of the round. The Stade Toulousain gave Lyon no chance at all. Thomas Ramos, Peato Mauvaka, Julien Marchand and Antoine Dupont all scored tries. The 45-0 victory sees the pink city climb back up to the 4th place in the table.STADE FRANÇAIS MIRACULOUSLY BEAT ASM AT HOMEClermont-Ferrand thought they had secured their 2nd away win of the season until the 79th minute! The score was then 14-7 to ASM when Peniasi Dakuwaqa, well served by his scrum-half, scored the try of hope in the corner (12-14). In that same corner, Zack Henry made no mistake and converted, giving Stade Français a draw (14-14). Check out all the results from the day:Pau 20-29 La RochellePerpignan 27-12 OyonnaxBordeaux 24-23 BayonneStade Français 14-14 ClermontRacing 34-30 CastresToulouse 45-0 LyonMontpellier 27-17 Toulon
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