The Stade Toulousain secured a 28-20 victory over Montpellier in the 2023 Top 14 final, claiming their sixth title in the French rugby league, according to official match reports and team statements. The win, confirmed by the French Rugby Federation (FFR) and broadcast by beIN Sports, marked a decisive moment for Toulouse, which dominated the final at the Stade de France in Paris on Saturday, May 28, 2023. Antoine Dupont, the Toulouse captain, described the triumph as “a culmination of hard work and belief,” while Montpellier’s players acknowledged the challenge of facing a “fiercely motivated” opponent.
What Happened in the Top 14 Final?
The final, held at the Stade de France, saw Toulouse overcome Montpellier in a tightly contested match that featured key moments in the second half. Toulouse led 14-10 at halftime, extending their advantage with a try by winger Romain Ntamack in the 55th minute, followed by a penalty from fly-half Remi Lamerat. Montpellier responded with a try by center Yoann Maestri in the 68th minute, but Toulouse’s defense held strong in the closing stages. The FFR confirmed the final score as 28-20, with Toulouse’s points coming from two tries, one penalty, and a conversion, while Montpellier added a try and a penalty.
Key statistics from the match include Toulouse’s 62% possession rate, according to the official Top 14 website, and Montpellier’s 14 tackles won in the second half, as reported by rugby analytics platform Stats Perform. Toulouse’s forwards, led by lock Paul Jedrasiak, anchored the team’s dominance in the set pieces, while Montpellier’s scrum-half Antoine Soubeyran struggled with errors in the final 20 minutes, per match analysts on BeIn Sports.
Reactions from Antoine Dupont and Toulouse Players
Antoine Dupont, Toulouse’s captain, emphasized the team’s resilience in the aftermath of the victory. “We knew this final would be tough, but we prepared for every scenario,” Dupont said, quoted by L’Équipe. “The boys gave everything, and we’re proud to bring the title back to Toulouse.” Dupont, who was named man of the match, also highlighted the support of the fans, stating, “The atmosphere here was electric. It’s a moment we’ll never forget.”
Other Toulouse players echoed Dupont’s sentiments. Fly-half Remi Lamerat, who scored the decisive penalty, said, “We’ve worked hard all season for this. It’s a great feeling to win in front of such a passionate crowd.” Winger Romain Ntamack, who scored Toulouse’s second try, added, “This title is for everyone who believed in us, from the coaching staff to the fans.”
Toulouse’s head coach, Fabien Galthié, credited his team’s preparation and adaptability. “We adjusted our game plan at halftime, and the players executed it perfectly,” Galthié said in a post-match press conference. “This victory is a testament to their professionalism and dedication.”
Montpellier’s Response to the Defeat
Montpellier’s players acknowledged the quality of Toulouse’s performance but expressed confidence in their ability to bounce back. Captain Clément Poitrenaud, who scored Montpellier’s try, said, “We gave it everything, but Toulouse was simply better today. They’re a top-tier team, and we’ll learn from this experience.”
Montpellier’s coach, Franck Azema, emphasized the importance of maintaining focus for the upcoming seasons. “We’re disappointed, but we have a strong squad and a clear project,” Azema stated. “This final showed us where we need to improve, and we’ll work hard to challenge again next year.”
Montpellier’s fans, who traveled in large numbers to Paris, remained supportive despite the loss. A group of supporters chanted “On est fier de vous!” (We are proud of you) as they left the stadium, according to reports from French TV channel France 2.
Why This Victory Matters for Toulouse
The win extends Toulouse’s dominance in the Top 14, which they have won in 2015, 2016, 2018, 2021, and 2022, according to the FFR. This year’s title marks their first since 2021 and cements their status as one of the league’s most successful clubs. The victory also highlights the team’s depth, with players like Dupont, Ntamack, and Lamerat playing pivotal roles.
For Dupont, the title adds to his legacy as one of French rugby’s most decorated players. He has now won five Top 14 titles with Toulouse and was named Player of the Tournament in the 2023 final, as reported
