Vannes’ Promotion Glory, Top 14 Shocks and Surprises, and What’s Next!

Veronique Landew and Bill Hooper recap the Pro D2 final in Toulouse at Ernest Wallon, where Vannes beat Philippe Saint-André’s Provence 18–14 to win the PRO D2 Final and earn direct promotion to the Top 14, praising the massive Breton support, tense finish, and key tries by Robin Taccola and Ben Stevenson, while noting Provence still face an access match vs Perpignan. They then review Top 14 round 26, highlighted by Union Bordeaux-Bègles missing the top six after a 34–31 home loss to Clermont, while La Rochelle’s 27–22 win over Stade Français secured sixth place. They list other results, confirm the top six, and outline the barrage matchups (Stade Français–La Rochelle, Pau–Racing 92), with Toulouse and Montpellier into the semifinals in Marseille and the final at Stade de France. They discuss rumors of Shaun Edwards leaving France, possible replacement Gérald Bastide, and send best wishes to Toulon’s Gaël Dréan after heart surgery.

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