The Top 14 playoff picture is officially set after a dramatic final day of the regular season that delivered movement throughout the standings and one stunning elimination.
Stade Toulousain and Montpellier Hérault Rugby secured the top two spots in the table and advanced directly to the semifinals, while Stade Français Paris, Section Paloise, Racing 92 and Stade Rochelais claimed the remaining playoff berths.
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The biggest surprise of Round 26 came in Bordeaux, where back-to-back Investec Champions Cup winner Union Bordeaux-Bègles saw its domestic season come to an abrupt end. Bordeaux fell 34-31 at home to Clermont, leaving the club outside the playoff field despite arriving at the final weekend as one of the favorites to compete for the Bouclier de Brennus.
While Bordeaux's elimination dominated headlines, several other clubs secured historic or long-awaited postseason appearances as the final standings were decided.
Toulouse, Montpellier Earn Direct Semifinal Berths
Toulouse entered the final round having already secured first place and will head directly to the semifinals after finishing atop the table.
Montpellier joined the defending regular-season champions in the semifinals by defeating Lyon 28-25 on the final day. The victory allowed Montpellier to secure second place and avoid the opening round of the playoffs.
The reward is significant.
Both clubs receive an extra week of rest while the remaining playoff teams battle through the opening round next weekend.
For Toulouse and Montpellier, the road to the Top 14 Final now runs through Marseille, where this season's semifinals will be played.
Wild-Card Matchups Are Set
The opening round of the playoffs features two intriguing matchups.
Third-seeded Stade Français will host sixth-seeded Stade Rochelais after La Rochelle's victory over Paris on the final day helped secure its return to the postseason.
In the other playoff matchup, fourth-seeded Pau will host Racing 92 after completing one of the club's best seasons in recent memory.
Pau's qualification marks its first playoff appearance since returning to the Top 14 in 2015, making it one of the feel-good stories of the season.
The winners will advance to face Toulouse and Montpellier in the semifinals.
Bordeaux Left On The Outside
No team enters the offseason with more questions than Bordeaux.
The club captured a second consecutive Investec Champions Cup title in May and completed one of the most impressive European campaigns in recent memory. Yet domestic success proved more elusive.
Back-to-back league losses to Toulon and Clermont ultimately cost Bordeaux a place in the postseason.
Instead of preparing for a playoff run, the European champions will watch from home as the Top 14 title race continues without them.
The playoffs begin next weekend, but the final round already delivered one of the season's most unforgettable storylines.
Top 14 Rugby Playoff Schedule
Friday, June 13
- 3:05 p.m. ET: Pau vs. Racing 92
Saturday, June 14
- 3:05 p.m. ET: Stade Français vs. La Rochelle
The winners advance to the semifinals in Marseille.
Friday, June 19
- Semifinal 1: Toulouse vs. Lowest Remaining Seed
Saturday, June 20
- Semifinal 2: Montpellier vs. Highest Remaining Seed
Saturday, June 27
Top 14 Final
- The championship match will be played at Stade de France in Paris.
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