Bayonne Rugby (15-1-10), or Aviron Bayonnais, reached the Top 14’s top 4 last season by making tight finishes routine. 

They didn’t run up gaudy margins; they simply kept finding the last carry, the safe exit and the right kick. The result was a table position that matched their temperament.

This year’s task is less glamorous and more demanding: replicate that consistency. The roster is built for it. There’s veteran craft at 9, power through the midfield, and a back five that can change shape without losing lineout options.

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A century-old identity still matters. 

Founded in 1904, Bayonne’s early championships helped write the sport’s Basque vocabulary — and they still inform the club’s stubborn style today. The modern version is less about nostalgia and more about the small choices that win 78th minutes.

Bayonne’s roster is anchored by veteran scrumhalf Maxime Machenaud, who remains one of the Top 14’s most experienced players with nearly 300 league appearances. 

He is complemented by South African international Herschel Jantjies at No. 9, offering pace and distribution. In the midfield, England’s Manu Tuilagi brings power, while Argentina’s Mateo Carreras provides attacking spark on the wing. 

The pack features international presence in Arthur Iturria, a versatile forward who covers both lock and back row, and Australian Rob Leota, who adds size and mobility. 

Hooker Facundo Bosch and prop Ignacio Calles extend Bayonne’s Argentine connection up front, while utility back Reece Hodge offers goal-kicking and backline depth. 

The blend of seasoned internationals and French core players gives Bayonne balance and adaptability across competitions.

Add in the experience spread across several international programs and the formula is clear enough. Bayonne won close; now they must do it again, with Europe on the calendar, too.

How To Stream Bayonne Rugby In The United States

• Platform: FloRugby and the FloSports app
• Competitions: Top 14 and Investec Challenge Cup
• Replay Access: Available after each match

One Interesting Stat For Bayonne

Bayonne’s scrum-half Maxime Machenaud entered 2025 tied as the Top 14’s active leader in matches played (288), underlining the side’s veteran core.

Bayonne Rugby 2025-2026 Schedule – Full Fixtures and Key Matches

Bayonne opens the season on Sept. 6, 2025, away at USA Perpignan, a match that will test them immediately against another Basque rival.

Other highlights include a Round 5 clash against Toulouse (Oct. 4), a rematch of last year’s semifinal, and a derby showdown against Stade Rochelais on Dec. 13.

Complete Bayonne Rugby Top 14 Schedule

• Sept. 6 — at USA Perpignan, Stade Aimé Giral, TBD ET
• Sept. 13 — at Montpellier Hérault Rugby, GGL Stadium, TBD ET
• Sept. 20 — at Castres Olympique, Stade Pierre-Fabre, TBD ET
• Sept. 27 — vs. RC Toulon, Stade Jean-Dauger, TBD ET
• Oct. 4 — at Toulouse, Stade Ernest-Wallon, TBD ET
• Oct. 11 — at Pau, Stade du Hameau, TBD ET
• Oct. 18 — vs. ASM Clermont Auvergne, Stade Jean-Dauger, TBD ET
• Oct. 25 — at Union Bordeaux-Bègles, Stade Chaban-Delmas, TBD ET
• Nov. 1 — vs. US Montauban, Stade Jean-Dauger, TBD ET
• Nov. 29 — vs. Lyon (LOU Rugby), Stade Jean-Dauger, TBD ET
• Dec. 20 — at La Rochelle, Stade Marcel-Deflandre, TBD ET
• Dec. 27 — vs. Stade Français Paris, Stade Jean-Dauger, TBD ET
• Jan. 3 — at Montpellier Hérault Rugby, GGL Stadium, TBD ET
• Jan. 24 — at Lyon (LOU Rugby), Matmut Stadium de Gerland, TBD ET
• Jan. 31 — at Toulouse, Stade Ernest-Wallon, TBD ET
• Feb. 14 — vs. Racing 92, Stade Jean-Dauger, TBD ET
• Feb. 28 — at ASM Clermont Auvergne, Stade Marcel-Michelin, TBD ET
• Mar. 21 — at US Montauban, Stade Sapiac, TBD ET
• Mar. 28 — vs. La Rochelle, Stade Jean-Dauger, TBD ET
• Apr. 18 — vs. Pau, Stade Jean-Dauger, TBD ET
• Apr. 25 — at RC Toulon, Stade Mayol, TBD ET
• May 9 — vs. Union Bordeaux-Bègles, Stade Jean-Dauger, TBD ET
• May 16 — at Lyon (LOU Rugby), Matmut Stadium de Gerland, TBD ET
• May 30 — at Stade Français Paris, Stade Jean-Bouin, TBD ET
• June 6 — vs. USA Perpignan, Stade Jean-Dauger, TBD ET

Bayonne Rugby Roster 2025-2026 Squad 

• Forwards: Swan Cormenier, Andy Bordelai, Pierre Castillon, Ignacio Calles, Luke Tagi, Facundo Bosch, Vincent Giudicelli, Lucas Martin, Pascal Cotet, Tevita Tatafu, Emerick Setiano, Lucas Paulos, Ewan Johnson, Alex Moon, Arthur Iturria, Rob Leota, Baptiste Heguy, Esteban Capilla, Baptiste Chouzenoux, Alexandre Fischer, Rodrigo Bruni, Giovanni Habel-Kueffner.
• Backs: Maxime Machenaud, Herschel Jantjies, Baptiste Germain, Joris Segonds, Gareth Anscombe, Nadir Megdoud, Mateo Carreras, Sireli Maqala, Guillaume Martocq, Reece Hodge, Federico Mori, Manu Tuilagi, Arnaud Erbinartegaray, Tom Spring, Yohan Orabe, Cheikh Tiberghien.

Bayonne Rugby Home Ground – Stade Jean-Dauger

Home matches are played in Bayonne at the club’s traditional ground, a compact venue known for a close-to-the-pitch atmosphere and strong Basque support.

Bayonne Rugby To Play In The Investec Champions Cup

Bayonne Rugby steps decisively onto the European stage in 2025-2026, entering the Investec Champions Cup with a roster accustomed to pressure, precision, and close finishes. The arrival of European competition adds strategic depth to their calendar—each weekend will demand adaptation.

Pool play now defines the early narrative. Ranked alongside Leinster Rugby, Leicester Tigers, Harlequins, and La Rochelle, Bayonne’s group (Pool 3) demands both consistency and versatility. Their coach must calibrate physicality and adaptability, particularly as they juggle travel, recovery, and rotation.

This is more than a new opponent list — it is a broader measure of identity. Last season’s fourth-place domestic finish earned the ticket; these group matchups determine whether Bayonne belong among Europe’s elite or remain a solid domestic contender.

FloRugby viewers will still enjoy full access: Champions Cup matches stream live in the U.S., alongside Top 14 and other top club competitions.

How To Watch Rugby Matches In The United States On FloRugby

Professional club rugby in Europe all streams on FloRugby and the FloSports app in the United States. FloRugby and FloSports also are the U.S. home to: 

• United Rugby Championship
• PREM Rugby
• Top 14
• Investec Champions Cup
• EPCR Challenge Cup
• Currie Cup
• Super Rugby
• And more

FloRugby also is home to match archives and match replays. 

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