UBB beats Toulon and is in the final of the Top 14!

UBB beats Toulon and is in the final of the Top 14!

An exciting day for rugby fans! The Union Bordeaux-Bègles (UBB) prevailed against Toulon in the semi-finals of the Top 14 and defeated their opponent with a clear 39-24. This secured the team's place in the final, where they will play against Stade Toulousain at the Stade de France on June 28, 2025. The Cologne fans can look forward to an exciting match: UBB has the chance of a remarkable double win, as in addition to the Top 14 they have also won the Champions Cup, something that only a few French clubs have achieved, such as Toulouse and Toulon in the past, each of which enjoyed such success on several occasions.

The match was already tense in the first half. UBB was able to take a 15-10 lead at the break after Maxime Lamothe and Depoortere scored two tries for their team. Toulon countered with a try from Faingaakuku shortly before the half-time whistle, but were unable to turn things around in the second half. UBB were dominant, scoring another 24 points in the second half, while Toulon could only score two late tries. Maxime Lamothe was particularly outstanding, setting a record with a triple, i.e. three attempts - a first in the Top 14 final phase!

The big challenge in the final

The road to the final was by no means easy for UBB. They had to fight hard, not only in the semi-final against Toulon, who have been back in the competition since 2017, but also throughout the season. The Champions Cup triumph they recently won in Cardiff was another milestone. However, the pressure is great because in the final they face a strong opponent: the Stade Toulousain, which defeated UBB last year with a score of 59-3. The goal is clear: revenge and the first title for UBB since the club was founded in 2006.

The upcoming final also raises questions. For Louis Bielle-Barrey in particular, there is uncertainty as to whether he will be fit in time after a concussion. A loss of these key players could impact UBB's strategy. So preparations are in full swing and both players and fans are ready to give everything to win the first title in the club's history.

Rugby and European competition

The Champions Cup itself has been a major highlight of European rugby since its inception in 2014 and has produced two of the most successful clubs, Toulouse and Leinster. Toulouse has won the competition several times and remains the most successful team in the event's history, increasing the competitive pressure on UBB and other teams. Overall, the best teams from each participating league have moved into the knockout rounds, and it remains exciting to see how the scene develops.

So while rugby continues to grow in popularity in Cologne, Cologne's rugby fans are also looking forward to the exciting encounter at the Stade de France. When UBB takes the field on Saturday it could be the start of a new era for the club.