Pau – 13.06.2026: At Stade du Hameau in Pau, sold out, on Saturday evening Section Paloise and Racing 92 faced off in the decisive Top 14 playoff. The guests from Pau had finished the regular season in fourth place, while the Parisians were fifth. Both teams were playing to advance to the semifinal, where the first-placed Stade Toulousain awaits them.
The match started at a high pace. Already in the fifth minute, the Parisian fly-half Alexandre Gibert opened the scoreboard with a penalty kick from 30 meters. Shortly after, Joe Simmonds for Pau equalized with a penalty from a similar distance, bringing the score to 3-3.
In the 20th minute Racing 92 scored the first important points: a quick attack led to a try by winger Viliami Habosi, who skillfully took advantage of a precise pass from Gibert. The captain then converted the try for 10-3 in favor of the Parisians.
Pau tried to get back into the game, but Racing’s defense remained solid. Around the 35th minute, the powerful number eight Tjiuee Uanivi extended the lead to 17-3 with a try from a scrum, again confidently converted by Gibert. Thus, the teams went to the locker rooms with a clear advantage for Racing 92.
In the second half Pau intensified the pressure. In the 50th minute center Emiliano Gailleton scored a try after Joe Simmonds broke through the defense with a quick pass. Simmonds converted for 17-10, giving the home team new hope.
However, Racing 92 was not shaken. At the 65th minute a counterattack led by Jérémy Spring opened the way for another try by captain Ugo Seunes. Gibert brought the score to 24-10. Pau responded with another try from Gailleton at the 75th minute, reducing the deficit to 24-17. Nevertheless, the final points were scored by Gibert with a penalty kick in the 80th minute, setting the final score at 27-17.
With this victory Racing 92 secures a place in the Top 14 semifinal, where on June 19 they will face the extravagant favorite Stade Toulousain. The Parisians have established themselves as serious title contenders thanks to their consistency during the season and the convincing win in the playoff.
Despite the defeat, Section Paloise can still be satisfied with the season. After 26 years of absence from the playoffs, the Béarnais have shown they can compete at the highest levels and be a formidable opponent in elite French rugby.