The 2025-26 Top 14 season comes down to a familiar giant and a surging challenger.
Stade Toulousain enters the Top 14 Final chasing history. Already champions in 2023, 2024 and 2025, Toulouse is one victory away from becoming the first club in the professional Top 14 era to win four consecutive Brennus Shields.
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The three-time defending champions dominated the regular season again, finishing first and leading the league with 981 points scored, an average of 37.7 points per match. They then underlined their title credentials with a record-setting 71-point semifinal performance.
Standing in their way is a Montpellier side that looked destined for a rebuilding project not long ago. Instead, MHR has transformed itself into one of the hottest teams in Europe, winning the EPCR Challenge Cup and riding a remarkable late-season surge into the final. The club's turnaround has been fueled by veteran leadership, physical dominance and a group of in-form stars who have elevated their games at exactly the right time.
With the Brennus Shield on the line, these are the 10 players most likely to determine who lifts the trophy.
The Toulouse Vanguard
Antoine Dupont, Scrum-Half
There is no more influential player in world rugby.
After returning from injury in time for the Investec Champions Cup, Dupont immediately reminded everyone why he remains the heartbeat of Toulouse. He scored a try and was decisive throughout the semifinal victory, providing the tempo, vision and game management that make Toulouse so difficult to contain.
If Toulouse wins a fourth straight title, Dupont almost certainly will be at the center of it.
Thomas Ramos, Fullback
Few players in the world impact a match in as many ways as Ramos.
Toulouse's primary goal-kicker remains among the league's most reliable scorers, and his counterattacking ability can turn defensive situations into points within seconds. The Top 14's elite point producers again featured Ramos near the top of the competition's scoring charts, and Toulouse's attack often flows through his decision-making.
If the final becomes a kicking contest, Ramos could be the difference.
Jack Willis, Back Row
Willis has become one of the most important forwards in France.
The Englishman was named man of the match in Toulouse's semifinal and continues to dominate collisions, turnovers and defensive work. Toulouse's ability to generate quick ball often begins with Willis winning the breakdown battle.
Montpellier's powerful pack will target him all afternoon.
Emmanuel Meafou, Lock
Big matches often are decided by physicality, and few players bring more of it than Meafou.
The towering lock gives Toulouse go-forward at the gain line while anchoring the set piece. His ability to win collisions against Montpellier's massive forward pack could dictate field position throughout the contest.
Teddy Thomas, Wing
Thomas has been one of Toulouse's most important additions.
After arriving before the season, he quickly became Toulouse's leading try scorer with 12 tries. His finishing ability gives the defending champions a lethal edge whenever opportunities emerge out wide.
One missed tackle against Thomas can become seven points.
The Montpellier Challengers
Billy Vunipola, No. 8
No player better represents Montpellier's transformation.
The former England star arrived in France looking for a fresh start and has become one of the emotional and physical leaders behind MHR's resurgence. His teammates credit him with changing the mentality around the club, while his performances helped power Montpellier to Challenge Cup glory and a Top 14 final appearance.
Against Toulouse, Vunipola's ability to win collisions and control the tempo around the ruck will be vital.
Hugo Domingo Miotti, Fly-Half
Montpellier's attack begins with Miotti.
The Argentine finished third in the Top 14 scoring race with 257 points, including 44 penalties and 55 conversions. His consistency off the tee gives Montpellier a reliable source of points in tight matches.
Against a team as dangerous as Toulouse, every kick will matter.
Lenni Nouchi, Back Row
Nouchi has emerged as one of France's brightest young forwards and a key leader within the Montpellier pack.
His work rate, physicality and defensive presence have helped establish Montpellier as one of the league's most difficult teams to break down. He also has become one of the loudest voices praising the leadership influence Vunipola has brought to the club.
Expect Nouchi to be heavily involved from the opening whistle.
Louis Carbonel, Fly-Half
Carbonel remains one of the most dangerous playmakers in French rugby.
The former Montpellier star finished second in the league with 288 points this season and continues to be one of the Top 14's most clinical kickers. Even when not starting at fly-half, his ability to control territory and punish defensive mistakes makes him a potential game-changer.
Jiuta Wainiqolo, Wing
Montpellier will need someone capable of matching Toulouse's strike power.
Wainiqolo enters the final as the Top 14's leading try scorer with 18 tries in 20 appearances. Few players in the competition are more dangerous in open space, and his finishing ability gives Montpellier a genuine game-breaking threat.
If Toulouse's defensive line slips even once, Wainiqolo can capitalize.
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