RC Vannes are heading back to the Top 14.
One year after suffering relegation from France’s top flight, the Breton club completed an immediate return by defeating Provence Rugby 18-14 in the Pro D2 final on June 6 at Stade Ernest-Wallon in Toulouse. The victory capped a dominant season and secured automatic promotion back to the Top 14 for 2026-27.
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For Vannes, the title represented the perfect response to the disappointment of relegation. Rather than rebuilding over several seasons, the club quickly re-established itself as the team to beat in France’s second division and delivered when the stakes were highest.
The result also reinforces Vannes’ status as one of French rugby’s fastest-rising clubs. Just two years ago, they became the first club from Brittany to reach the Top 14. Now they are back among the elite after a one-season absence.
A Season Of Dominance For Vannes In Pro D2
Vannes did far more than simply win promotion.
The club finished first in the Pro D2 standings with 116 points, winning 24 matches, drawing one and losing only five times during the regular season. Vannes scored 1,092 points, crossed for 153 tries and finished with a remarkable plus-549 points differential.
Those numbers made Vannes the clear benchmark throughout the campaign.
After finishing atop the table, Vannes defeated Oyonnax in the semifinals before edging Provence Rugby in the championship match.
Final Test Passed For Vannes
The final itself proved far tighter than the standings suggested.
Vannes built an 18-7 lead before Provence Rugby mounted a late comeback. However, the Breton side held firm during the closing stages to secure an 18-14 victory and lift the Pro D2 trophy.
Veteran scrum-half Michael Ruru was named Man of the Match, while the squad also featured notable international talent, including former England prop Mako Vunipola.
What Happens Next?
With promotion secured, Vannes will now begin preparations for another shot at the Top 14.
The club’s challenge will be turning promotion into permanence. Their previous stay in the competition lasted only one season, but the experience gained from that campaign and the confidence earned during this title-winning run could provide a stronger foundation this time around.
For now, though, Vannes can celebrate a mission accomplished. One year after relegation, they are champions of Pro D2 and heading back to French rugby’s biggest stage.
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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With Toulouse chasing another French title, Montpellier seeking its first championship in years and clubs like Racing 92 and La Rochelle still alive, the Top 14 playoffs promise to deliver some of the best club rugby of the year.
Every match will matter from this point forward.
And every match will stream live on FloRugby.
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