Pau – 13.06.2026: On Saturday evening at a sold-out Stade du Hameau in Pau, Section Paloise and Racing 92 faced off in the decisive Top 14 playoff match. The hosts from Pau had finished the regular season in fourth place, while the Parisians were fifth. Both teams were playing for a spot in the semifinal, where the league leaders Stade Toulousain await.
The match started at a high pace. Already in the fifth minute, Racing 92’s playmaker Alexandre Gibert opened the scoring with a successful penalty kick from 30 meters. Shortly after, Joe Simmonds equalized for Pau with a penalty from a similar distance to make it 3-3.
In the 20th minute, Racing 92 made a significant move: a quick attack led to a try by winger Viliami Habosi, who finished a precise pass from Gibert. The captain also converted the conversion kick, putting the Parisians ahead 10-3.
Pau tried to get back into the game, but Racing’s defense remained solid. Around the 35th minute, the physical number eight Tjiuee Uanivi extended the lead to 17-3 after a scrum move, again with Gibert securing the conversion kick. The halftime break came with a clear advantage for Racing 92.
After the break, Pau intensified their pressure. In the 50th minute, center Emiliano Gailleton scored a try following a quick pass by Joe Simmonds that broke through the defense. Simmonds converted to bring the score to 17-10, giving the hosts renewed hope.
Racing 92 stayed composed. In the 65th minute, Jérémy Spring set up a counterattack leading to another try by captain Ugo Seunes. Gibert converted to extend the lead to 24-10. Pau responded with a further try by Gailleton in the 75th minute, narrowing the gap to 24-17. However, Gibert sealed the game with a penalty kick in the 80th minute, finalizing the score at 27-17.
With this win, Racing 92 secures its place in the Top 14 semifinal and will face the overwhelming favorite Stade Toulousain on June 19. The Parisians have established themselves as serious title contenders through their consistent league performance and convincing playoff victory.
Section Paloise can be proud despite the defeat. After 26 years without playoff appearances, the Béarnais have shown that they can compete at the highest level and are a formidable opponent in French top-tier rugby.