Bordeaux-Bègles Win Fourth Consecutive French Women’s Rugby Title

The Bordeaux-Bègles women’s rugby team, known as the Lionnes, secured their fourth straight Division 1 Féminine championship on Saturday, defeating Lyon 25-10 in the final at Stade de la Rabine in Pau, according to the French Rugby Federation (FFR). This victory marks the third consecutive title for the club under head coach Sabine Herlaut, who led the team to their first championship in 2019.

The win extends Bordeaux-Bègles’ dominance in French women’s rugby, a league they have now won 10 times since 2013. The team’s consistency has been underscored by a blend of experienced players and emerging talent, with captain Clémence Gourdon playing a pivotal role in both attack and defense. Gourdon, 34, has been a fixture in the squad since 2011 and was named player of the match in the final for her 12 tackles and a crucial try in the second half.

What Happened in the Final?

The final was a tightly contested affair, with Lyon taking an early 10-5 lead after a penalty try in the 12th minute. Bordeaux-Bègles responded with a 10-minute surge, scoring 15 points through a combination of scrums and individual brilliance. Fly-half Marine Gahet, 26, converted two penalties and orchestrated the team’s attack, while prop Aurélie Boulahrouz made a decisive tackle in the final minutes to seal the win.

FFR president Bernard Laporte praised the teams’ “exemplary sportsmanship” in a post-match statement. “This final was a testament to the growth of women’s rugby in France,” Laporte said. “The Lionnes’ achievement is a milestone for the sport, and Lyon’s resilience is equally commendable.”

Why This Victory Matters

The fourth consecutive title cements Bordeaux-Bègles’ status as the most successful women’s team in French rugby history. The club has now won 10 titles since 2013, outpacing rivals like Lyon (6 titles) and Montpellier (4). The victory also highlights the impact of the FFR’s investment in women’s rugby, which has seen attendance at top-tier matches grow by 22% since 2020, according to a 2023 report by the French Sports Ministry.

For Lyon, the loss ends their bid for a fifth consecutive title. Coach Stéphane Bérenger acknowledged the challenge of facing Bordeaux-Bègles, who have been “unstoppable in recent years.” Lyon’s next focus shifts to the European Challenge Cup, where they will face Italian side Zebre in a semi-final on April 20.

Key Moments and Stats

• Final Score: Bordeaux-Bègles 25-10 Lyon
• Top Try Scorer: Clémence Gourdon (1 try)
• Most Tackles: Clémence Gourdon (12)
• Attendance: 8,200 fans at Stade de la Rabine
• Points Margin: 15 points (Bordeaux-Bègles’ largest of the season)

The match also saw a record for the most penalties awarded in a French women’s final, with 14 penalties given out. Referee Coralie Leclercq noted the physicality of the game, stating, “Both teams played with intensity, but Bordeaux-Bègles’ discipline in key moments made the difference.”

What’s Next for the Lionnes?

Bordeaux-Bègles will now prepare for the 2024-25 European Champions Cup, where they will face Irish side Limerick in the group stages. The team’s schedule also includes a friendly against the New Zealand Black Ferns in June, as part of a global tour to promote women’s rugby. Herlaut emphasized the importance of maintaining focus: “We’re proud of this achievement, but the goal is to keep pushing boundaries. The European stage is the next challenge.”

The FFR has also announced plans to expand its women’s academy program, with a $2.5 million investment over the next three years. This follows a 2023 study showing that women’s rugby participation in France grew by 18% in