La Rochelle Rugby Seeks Bouclier | Top 14 Preview
La Rochelle Rugby Seeks Bouclier | Top 14 Preview
La Rochelle Rugby enters 2025-2026 chasing a Top 14 championship. Every match streams in the United States on FloRugby and FloSports.
La Rochelle Rugby, or Stade Rochelais, (13-1-12) enters the 2025-2026 Top 14 season looking to build on a decade that has placed the club among France’s most recognizable names.
The team was founded in 1898, and while its early history was marked by steady regional competition, the professional era has transformed La Rochelle into a regular contender at the highest levels of French and European rugby.
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The club’s supporters, known for turning Stade Marcel-Deflandre into a wall of yellow and black, have enjoyed recent peaks.
La Rochelle reached the Top 14 finals in 2021 and 2023, falling both times to Toulouse.
The team's European record, however, is one of modern dominance, with Champions Cup triumphs in 2022 and 2023. Those victories gave La Rochelle the prestige of back-to-back continental titles, placing them in the same conversation as long-established French powers.
The 2024-2025 campaign was one of mixed results.
La Rochelle finished in the middle of the standings with 13 wins, one draw and 12 defeats.
While their home form kept them in contention, inconsistency on the road prevented a stronger playoff push. They were not eliminated until the final weeks of the regular season, showing how narrow the margin was between qualification and disappointment.
This season’s schedule begins with a trip to Bordeaux and features another early test against Clermont. Those opening weeks may indicate whether La Rochelle can return to the playoff stage.
With veteran forwards such as Will Skelton and Gregory Alldritt anchoring the pack, and international talent across the backline, the squad still has the core to compete with the best.
How To Watch La Rochelle Rugby In The United States
Fans in the United States can watch every La Rochelle match on FloRugby and the FloSports app.
The broadcast package includes all Top 14 games, plus coverage of the Gallagher Premiership, United Rugby Championship, Champions Cup and Challenge Cup.
La Rochelle’s season opener, and every fixture through the playoffs, will be available live and on demand.
La Rochelle Rugby Schedule 2025-2026
- Sept. 6 — at Union Bordeaux-Bègles, Stade Chaban-Delmas
- Sept. 13 — vs. ASM Clermont Auvergne, Stade Marcel-Deflandre
- Sept. 20 — at Lyon, Matmut Stadium de Gerland
- Sept. 27 — vs. USA Perpignan, Stade Marcel-Deflandre
- Oct. 4 — at Montpellier Hérault Rugby, GGL Stadium
- Oct. 11 — at Stade Français Paris, Stade Jean-Bouin
- Oct. 18 — vs. US Montauban, Stade Marcel-Deflandre
- Oct. 25 — at Lyon, Matmut Stadium de Gerland
- Nov. 1 — vs. Racing 92, Stade Marcel-Deflandre
- Nov. 22 — vs. Castres Olympique, Stade Marcel-Deflandre
- Nov. 29 — at Pau, Stade du Hameau
- Dec. 20 — vs. Bayonne, Stade Marcel-Deflandre
- Dec. 27 — at Toulouse, Stade Ernest-Wallon
- Jan. 3 — vs. RC Toulon, Stade Marcel-Deflandre
- Jan. 24 — at ASM Clermont Auvergne, Stade Marcel-Michelin
- Jan. 31 — vs. Lyon, Stade Marcel-Deflandre
- Feb. 14 — at Montpellier Hérault Rugby, GGL Stadium
- Feb. 28 — at Castres Olympique, Stade Pierre-Fabre
- Mar. 21 — vs. Pau, Stade Marcel-Deflandre
- Mar. 28 — at Bayonne, Stade Jean-Dauger
- Apr. 18 — vs. Union Bordeaux-Bègles, Stade Marcel-Deflandre
- Apr. 25 — at USA Perpignan, Stade Aimé Giral
- May 9 — at Racing 92, Paris La Défense Arena
- May 16 — vs. Toulouse, Stade Marcel-Deflandre
- May 30 — at US Montauban, Stade Sapiac
- June 6 — vs. Stade Français Paris, Stade Marcel-Deflandre
La Rochelle Rugby 2024-2025 Season Recap
The team’s 13-1-12 record reflected a season of highs and lows.
La Rochelle delivered strong home wins against playoff clubs, including Toulouse and Toulon, but faltered in several close away games.
That balance left the squad short of the semifinal rounds for the first time in several years.
La Rochelle Rugby Interesting Stat
In nine Top 14 fixtures last season, La Rochelle’s defense allowed fewer than 20 points. That consistency at home made Stade Marcel-Deflandre one of the most difficult places to play in France.
La Rochelle Rugby Roster 2025-2026
Forwards: Alexandre Kaddouri, Louis Keziah Penverne, Reda Wardi, Pierre Bourgarit, Silatolu Latu, Quentin Lespiaucq, Nika Sutidze, Uini Atonio, Alexandre Kuntelia, Joel Sclavi, Karl Sorin, Ultan Dillane, Kane Douglas, Thomas Lavault, Will Skelton, Judicael Cancoriet, Oscar Jegou, Paul Boudehent, Matthias Haddad, Gregory Alldritt, Gael Galvan
Backs: Thomas Berjon, Nolann Le Garrec, Antoine Hastoy, Ihaia West, Nathan Bollengier, Hoani Bosmorin, Dillyn Leyds, Levani Botia, Jonathan Danty, Jules Favre, Simeli Daunivucu, Ulupano Seuteni, Semi Lagivala, Jack Nowell, Suliasi Vunivalu, Davit Niniashvili, Ugo Pacome
Stade Marcel-Deflandre La Rochelle Rugby
Stade Marcel-Deflandre has a capacity of more than 16,000 and remains one of the most intimate and intense rugby grounds in France. The venue, located near the Atlantic coast, provides La Rochelle with one of the league’s strongest home-field advantages.
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:
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