Latest news with #Perpignan
Irish Examiner
3 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Ronan O'Gara and La Rochelle tighten grip on Top 14 play-off berth
Ronan O'Gara's La Rochelle gave themselves every chance of qualifying for the Top 14 play-offs with a bonus-point five-try 38-15 win over struggling Perpignan at Stade Marcel Deflandre. But their fifth victory in a row, ensuring they head into the final round of the regular season in sixth place – came at a price. Captain Gregory Alldritt and fellow backrow Patrick Sobela are early doubts for next weekend's trip to Pau after picking up knee injuries, the former in a clash with international team-mate Posolo Tuilagi. Tawera Kerr-Barlow scored at either end of the first half to record his fifth – and, most likely, final – brace for La Rochelle on what could be his final appearance in front of the Marcel Deflandre stands. Both he and fullback Brice Dulin, who retires at the end of the season, received a standing ovation when they left the pitch together five minutes from time. The Rochelais could claim fourth place, and a home barrage, if they win at Pau next week, and both Bayonne and Castres lose. But the hosts' indiscipline meant Perpignan were able to stay in touch in the first half, thanks to the boot of Tomasso Allan, who slotted four of five penalties before the break, and another almost immediately after the restart. That would be the last time they troubled the scoreboard as La Rochelle kicked on, scoring through Pierre Bourgarit, Thierry Paiva and Dillyn Leyds in the final half hour to settle the game – and just about see the 105-day winless streak earlier this year disappear in the rearview mirror. 'We're a great group of guys,' coach Donnacha Ryan told journalists afterwards, acknowledging the side's dismal run earlier in the season. 'The key for the staff was to stay honest, to always give the guys a clear message, to reinforce their level of quality, too. 'There were a lot of very honest discussions, particularly about the quality of our sessions. We tested ourselves and, fortunately, we were able to turn the page.' Pau could finish level on points with La Rochelle, if they pick up a bonus-point win at home next Saturday. This week, centre Emilien Gailleton scored twice as Sebastien Picqueronies' side all-but condemned Vannes to the ProD2 next season, scoring seven tries to their hosts' four in a 26-52 win at Stade de la Rabine. Those two results were a major relief for Stade Francais, who had earlier collapsed almost quickly enough to form a black hole at Clermont. Paul Gustard's side led 6-17 at halftime, and what would have been a first-ever Top 14 win at Stade Marcel Michelin seemed possible, even plausible. It was 20-20 just after the hour, so they were still very much in the reckoning. And it finished 55-20. For Clermont, the apparently not entirely evergreen Benjamin Urdapilleta – in his final match in front of the home fans before he retires, overtook Brock James to become the leading points-scorer in the Top 14. His 15 points off the tee took him to 2,499, eight ahead of the ex-Clermont and La Rochelle star. Those results mean no positional or league points changes for the bottom three. But the Breton side, in particular, now need an unlikely win at Bordeaux next weekend, and for other results to go their way. Perpignan, four points ahead in 13th, host Toulouse at Stade Aime Giral, while 12th-placed Stade Francais have a precious one-point cushion over the Catalans as they prepare to entertain play-off–chasing Castres. For the first time since they returned to the Top 14 in 2009, Racing 92 – first-ever winners of the Bouclier de Brennus, back in 1892 – will not feature in the post-season play-offs. Their chances were slim at the start of their match against Montpellier at La Defense Arena. Their 25-27 defeat – settled by a 79th-minute Anthony Bouthier penalty – shut the door on any hopes entirely. One-club player Henry Chavancy, in his final home match for Racing, had opened the scoring with a well-taken try in the second minute. But, despite Montpellier captain Billy Vunipola seeing red for a croc-roll just before halftime, the hosts were unable to make their numerical advantage count. Fifth-placed Castres closed the gap on Bayonne, in fourth, to a single point, with a 33-3 bonus-point win over the Basque side at Stade Pierre Fabre. Leaders Toulouse – already certain of a pass to the semi-finals – host Lyon at Stade Ernest Wallon on Sunday in a match moved from Saturday night to avoid clashing with the Champions League final in Munich; while third-place Toulon have second place in their sights when they host newly crowned Champions Cup winners Bordeaux – without most of their Cardiff heroes.
France 24
3 days ago
- Sport
- France 24
Clermont boost Top 14 play-off bid with Stade Francais win
Simone crossed for his third try of the season to move the two-time French champions into fifth place in the table with one round of the regular season to play. The Parisians remain in 12th place, one point above Perpignan in the relegation play-off spot, before hosting Castres next weekend in their final game of the campaign. Stade Francais led 17-6 at half-time thanks to a try from ex-England centre Joe Marchant and points from his compatriot Zack Henry. Simone sparked Clermont's comeback with his score after 46 minutes before six further tries as well as the points from the tee added by veteran Argentina fly-half Benjamin Urdapilleta. Urdapilleta's contribtutions moved the 39-year-old to second in the Top 14's all-time scorers list on 2,491 points. Former Castres full-back Romain Teulet leads the standings on 2,612. Perpignan can go above 14-time champions Stade Francais later with a win at La Rochelle. Bottom-placed Vannes host Pau also aiming to improve their chances of safety. On Sunday, newly-crowned Champions Cup winners Bordeaux-Begles head to Toulon and Top 14 holders and league leaders Toulouse host Lyon.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Wigan thump Catalans to keep pace with leaders
Betfred Super League Catalans (0) 0 Wigan (20) 48 Tries: Field, Walters, Marshall 2, Leeming, Nsemba, French, Smith Goals: Keighran 8 Wigan Warriors closed within two points of Super League leaders Hull KR as they eased past Catalans Dragons with a clinical, if not dazzling, display in Perpignan. In Joel Tomkins' first game as interim head coach, Les Dracs had plenty of the ball but trailed 20-0 at the break after scores from Jai Field, Sam Walters and Liam Marshall. Tries from Kruise Leeming, Junior Nsemba and a second for Marshall put the error-prone Warriors 36 points clear going into the last quarter. And late scores from Bevan French and Harry Smith piled on the misery for a weary Catalans side who were shut out for a second successive match. More to follow. Catalans: Aispuro-Bichet; Martin, Laguerre, Smith, Yaha; Keary, Fages; Satae, Da Costa, Navarette, Sims, Whitehead, Partington. Interchanges: Rouge, Seguier, Dezaria, Maria. Wigan: Field; Eckersley, Keighran, Wardle, Marshall; French, Smith; Byrne, O'Neill, Thompson, Nsemba, Farrell, Ellis. Interchanges: Havard, Mago, Leeming, Walters. Referee: Jack Smith.
BBC News
24-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Wigan thump Catalans to keep pace with leaders
Betfred Super LeagueCatalans (0) 0Wigan (20) 48Tries: Field, Walters, Marshall 2, Leeming, Nsemba, French, Smith Goals: Keighran 8 Wigan Warriors closed within two points of Super League leaders Hull KR as they eased past Catalans Dragons with a clinical, if not dazzling, display in Joel Tomkins' first game as interim head coach, Les Dracs had plenty of the ball but trailed 20-0 at the break after scores from Jai Field, Sam Walters and Liam from Kruise Leeming, Junior Nsemba and a second for Marshall put the error-prone Warriors 36 points clear going into the last late scores from Bevan French and Harry Smith piled on the misery for a weary Catalans side who were shut out for a second successive to follow. Catalans: Aispuro-Bichet; Martin, Laguerre, Smith, Yaha; Keary, Fages; Satae, Da Costa, Navarette, Sims, Whitehead, Partington. Interchanges: Rouge, Seguier, Dezaria, Field; Eckersley, Keighran, Wardle, Marshall; French, Smith; Byrne, O'Neill, Thompson, Nsemba, Farrell, Havard, Mago, Leeming, Jack Smith.
The Sun
10-05-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Theo Fages out to send a message to Catalans' critics with Wembley return
THEO Fages would love nothing more than to show Catalans' doubters why they are there by getting to Wembley again. The Dragons' 2018 Challenge Cup triumph was seen as the launchpad of the Perpignan-based club at a new level – reaching the final once more would cement their top table place. 2 Yet in the background, clubs are questioning whether they should even be there, even though they make a profit, have attracted several big names and produced aa number of young talents. Now Fages hopes to give them the perfect answer by dumping out Super League leaders Hull KR. He said: 'It's a shame that some teams and some clubs want us out, but I'm pretty sure every club loves going to Catalans and enjoying the trip away. 'Many see the negative side of France and it's hard for the club. This year they've got to financially support every travelling club and they've got to pay to play in the cup. 'It's an extra challenge and many want us to fail but if we have success, then we're not bothered really about what people and other clubs think. 'Everyone loves going there, there are sponsorship opportunities for the Super League. There are loads of good things to take. 'We just love being a part of the Super League and doing everything we can to perform and play well. The club has done that for the most part of the 20 years they've been in the Super League.' While many doubt Catalans' involvement, today's opponents have felt the benefit after signing their product Arthur Mourgue. Luckily for Steve McNamara's side, he is cup tied and the next one off the conveyor belt, Guillermo Aispuro-Bichet, is another example of why they should stay. Half back Fages added: 'It's good Arthur can't play but Guillermo's a good kid. He's only 19 and is putting in one good performance after the other. 'He's still learning and he's enjoying it. It's good to see a young French kid playing well. 'It's a big one for us. Obviously, the club had success in 2018 and we just want to replicate that. We're one game away from the final, so we'll be pumped for that. 'It's a semi-final, so the emotion will be there, but we've just got to perform on the day and we'll see about Wembley after that, hopefully. Hull KR are well set up, so it's a good challenge for us, but we'll be ready for it. 'We know it's easy to fix what we did in Super League against Leigh. Just cut the errors out and then we'll be good.'
