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RC Toulon

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RC Toulon
RC Toulon
Rugby Club Toulonnais · CC0 · source
ClubnameRC Toulon
FullnameRugby Club Toulonnais
NicknameLes Rouge et Noir
Founded1908
GroundStade Mayol
Capacity17,500
PresidentMourad Boudjellal
LeagueTop 14
Season2023–24

RC Toulon is a French professional rugby union club based in Toulon, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. Founded in 1908, the club has competed in domestic and European competitions such as the Top 14, the European Rugby Champions Cup, and the Heineken Cup. Historically associated with the port city of Toulon, the club has attracted international players from nations including New Zealand, South Africa, Australia, England, and Ireland.

History

The club's early years involved regional contests against sides from Marseille, Nice, Aix-en-Provence, and Avignon, with fixtures often played in front of supporters from the Var (department). Post-World War II, Toulon faced promotion and relegation between the then French Rugby Championship tiers and encountered rivals such as Stade Français, RC Narbonne, and AS Béziers Hérault. The late 20th century saw matches against historic clubs like Stade Toulousain, Racing 92, and FC Grenoble, while landmark moments included cup ties with Montpellier Hérault Rugby and tours by internationals from Argentina and Fiji. A transformative period in the 2000s brought high-profile signings from All Blacks and Springboks, leading to continental campaigns against Leinster Rugby, Saracens F.C., Munster Rugby, and Leicester Tigers.

Stadium and Facilities

Home fixtures are played at the stadium named after Stade Mayol, situated near the Old Port of Toulon and adjacent to landmarks such as the Sainte-Marie church and the Place de la Liberté. The venue has hosted domestic derbies versus Olympique de Marseille-affiliated clubs and international warm-up matches featuring touring sides like New Zealand All Blacks, South Africa national rugby union team, and Australia national rugby union team. Training facilities are located in the Toulon metropolitan area, with development programs linked to regional academies in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur and collaborations with entities from France Télévisions coverage and French sports federations.

Team and Players

The squad has featured marquee internationals who earned caps for New Zealand national rugby union team, South Africa national rugby union team, England national rugby union team, Ireland national rugby union team, Australia national rugby union team, Scotland national rugby union team, Wales national rugby union team, and Argentina national rugby union team. Notable past and present personnel include players associated with All Blacks legends, Springboks icons, and British Lions representatives who competed in tours like the British and Irish Lions series. The club's player pathway has produced professionals who progressed to clubs such as Harlequins, Bath Rugby, Leicester Tigers, Ulster Rugby, Munster Rugby, and Cardiff Rugby. Toulon has engaged international coaches with records in competitions like the Six Nations Championship and the Rugby Championship.

Competitions and Honours

Toulon has contested the Top 14 title alongside opponents like Clermont Auvergne, Castres Olympique, and Bordeaux Bègles and achieved success in European tournaments including multiple European Rugby Champions Cup victories over finalists such as Saracens F.C. and ASM Clermont Auvergne. Cup finals have seen encounters with Section Paloise, Stade Français Paris, and USA Perpignan. The club's trophy cabinet reflects domestic and international honours earned during campaigns involving coaches and players connected to tournaments like the Heineken Cup and invitational fixtures such as the Melrose Sevens.

Management and Ownership

The administrative structure involved presidents and executives with business links across France, Monaco, and international partners in Europe and beyond. High-profile figures in the club's leadership have had interactions with media outlets such as L'Équipe and RMC and negotiated contracts that attracted stars from Super Rugby, Premiership Rugby, and Pro14. Governance has aligned with regulations from the Ligue Nationale de Rugby and coordination with the French Rugby Federation for player registrations, disciplinary matters, and youth development initiatives.

Category:Rugby union clubs in France Category:Sport in Toulon Category:Top 14 clubs