TOP 14 2025-2026 – La Rochelle upsets Racing 92, who was unbeaten at home (24-26) and remains hopeful for Top 6
Stade Rochelais is alive! This team is paradoxical. Just when you think it’s done, it wakes up to achieve the unexpected. Racing 92 was undefeated at home this season. The fortress of Paris La Defense Arena fell (26-24)! A valuable success because La Rochelle had no choice on Sunday night. It was either an exploit at Paris La Defense Arena or the end of hopes for the playoffs. And a second season without a Top 6 for the Maritimes.
While Racing 92, with a victory, could at least catch up to UBB, it was ultimately La Rochelle who had the last word. A success that brings them back to six points behind UBB, currently 6th in the championship. The Girondins are probably not pleased to see their neighbors push back the Parisians.
74′ Nolann ensures points… the Rochelais regain the lead.
Live – https://t.co/XmK38Hat3O!
#R92SR | #Top14 | #FievreSR
– Stade Rochelais (@staderochelais) May 10, 2026
Stade Rochelais takes the lead before half-time
La Rochelle rewarded itself after a near-perfect first quarter-hour! Following a great move, Oscar Jegou breaks through the opposing defense and serves Nolann Le Garrec for the first try of the match (3-10, 16th). It’s only fair after the fantastic start by Rochelais, who are much more offensive (65% possession, 44 passes to 7, 23 ball carries to 9).
They overcame two early offensive errors. But any lapse is punished, and it’s typical of this Rochelais team that gets into trouble by itself. A poor restart and two penalties later, the Parisians execute a perfectly controlled maul. The carried ball is well handled and propels Janick Tarrit into the try zone (10-10, 20th).
At the half-hour mark, La Rochelle finds the solution again. It starts with a magnificent run by Semi Lagivala. The ball is quickly released inside to Oscar Jegou. After being a key passer earlier, the French international turns scorer this time. The Maritimes regain the lead (10-17, 32nd). They eventually lead by four points as Racing 92 scores a penalty after the whistle (13-17).
Breathless from start to finish
The first fifteen minutes of the second half will be about kickers. In this game, Rochelais take a seven-point lead (16-23, 54th). A low cost against a Racing 92 team struggling on the field and facing the intensity of Stade Rochelais. Proof of the Parisians’ difficulties: the bench is empty by the 45th minute.
La Rochelle dominates the game but fails to capitalize enough. The game is then interrupted for long minutes due to Matthias Haddad’s serious injury. The Rochelais is taken off on a stretcher but conscious. Touching his head, he thankfully avoids the worst.
La Rochelle didn’t capitalize, La Rochelle will suffer. The defense eventually crumbles bit by bit. First a penalty (19-23, 62nd), then Racing finds the breakthrough. After a forward powerplay, Leo Carbonneau delivers a perfect kick to Selestino Ravutaumada, who dives over the try line (24-23, 67th). At that point in the match, the visitors’ chances looked slim.
RACING TURN THE GAME AROUND 🏉
Following a genius move by Carbonneau with his foot, Ravutaumada scores and gives Racing the lead 🏉#R92SR
– CANAL+ Rugby (@CanalplusRugby) May 10, 2026
But what could have crushed Rochelais will ultimately transcend them. They push forward like hungry wolves and find resources. Nolann Le Garrec, the former Racingman, puts his team ahead (24-26, 74th). Rochelais then attack at the end of the match and even have two huge try-scoring opportunities (77th, 79th).
Yet, Racing will have the final chance. In a nailbiting match, Leo Carbonneau passes to Ugo Seunes. But the fly-half misses his drop goal after the whistle. This time, La Rochelle achieves the upset, despite some individual shortcomings seen throughout the match.
