Pau – 13.06.2026: In a completely sold-out Stade du Hameau in Pau on Saturday evening, Section Paloise and Racing 92 met in the decisive Top 14 playoff match. The hosts from Pau finished the regular season in fourth place, the Paris team in fifth. Both teams fought for a place in the semifinals, where the leading team Stade Toulousain awaited.
The match started at a high pace. Already in the fifth minute, Parisian fly-half Alexandre Guiber opened the score by successfully converting a penalty from 30 meters. Shortly after, Joe Simmons scored a penalty for Pau from a similar distance, leveling the score at 3:3.
In the 20th minute, Racing 92 made the first important breakthrough: a quick attack ended with a try by winger William Habosi, who successfully completed a precise pass from Guiber. The captain also successfully converted the try, and the Parisians led 10:3.
Pau tried to get back into the game, but Racing’s defense remained solid. Around the 35th minute, the strong number eight Tui Wanivi increased the score to 17:3 after a set-piece play, and Guiber saved an additional kick. The teams went into halftime with a significant advantage for Racing 92.
After the break, Pau intensified the pressure. In the 50th minute, center Emiliano Heighton scored a try following a breakthrough of the defense assisted by a quick pass from Joe Simmons. Simmons himself successfully converted the kick, making the score 17:10 and giving the hosts hope.
Racing 92 did not lose their composure. After a counterattack in the 65th minute, Jeremy Spring paved the way for another try by captain Hugo Sene. Guiber increased the lead to 24:10. Pau responded in the 75th minute with another try by Heighton, reducing the score to 24:17. However, Guiber sealed the final point with a penalty kick in the 80th minute, setting the final score at 27:17.
This victory secured Racing 92 a place in the Top 14 semifinals, where they will play against the clear favorite Stade Toulousain on June 19th. The Paris team has established itself as a serious contender for the title thanks to consistent play in the championship and a convincing victory in the playoffs.
Section Paloise, despite the defeat, can be satisfied with their season. After 26 years without playoffs, the team from Béarn has proven that they can compete at the highest level and are a serious opponent in French top rugby.