Are you something of a Top 14 expert? Or are you looking to learn more about the league? Either way, you’ll find some of the most interesting facts, information and FAQs about the Top 14 right here at RugbyPass. Whether you want to solidify your status as a superfan or simply want to find out more about France’s top rugby union tournament, we can help.
Our rugby gurus have been hard at work, listening to your league-related questions and reading all of your comments. We’ve scrolled back through more than a century of Top 14 matches, players and wins to bring you this fact-filled page.
Get ready to find the answers to all of your questions, including when the first Top 14 was held, which player has scored the most points and who has made the most appearances. From the first tournament to the current league, browse the Top 14 FAQs below.
The Top 14 is the top division of rugby in France. The tournament is widely regarded as one of the finest domestic professional leagues in Europe.
The first edition of the Top 14 took place on 20 March 1892. This took the form of a Championship match that was organised between two clubs: Stade Français and Racing Club de France. Racing Club won the first competition 4-3. However, Stade Français went on to win the title the following year.
The 14 best rugby union teams in France compete in the Top 14. However, the name and format of the league has changed throughout its history. This includes the inaugural tournament (which was contested by two teams) as well as the Top 16 era between 1995 and 2005.
The top 14 teams in France compete in this annual league. As such, the teams change every year. The teams for the 2022-23 Top 14 season are: Aviron Bayonnais, Bordeaux Bègles, CA Brive, Castres, Clermont, Lyon, Montpellier, Racing 92, Section Paloise, Stade Français, Stade Rochelais, Stade Toulouse, Toulon and USA Perpignan.
Stade Toulouse holds the record for the most Top 14 titles. To date, Toulouse has won the Bouclier de Brennus trophy 21 times. This is followed by Stade Français with 14 wins, AS Béziers with 11, and SU Agen and FC Lourdes with eight wins each.
The Top 14 is structured into 26 rounds and this annual tournament kicks off in August. The league is contested in a round-robin format, followed by quarter-finals and semi-finals. The final is held at the Stade de France and the winner raises the Bouclier de Brennus trophy.
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