Toulouse faces Racing 92 for Top 14 final spot as injury cloud hangs over champions

The buildup

Since their last encounter on 7 June, when Racing 92 won 31-20 on the final day of the regular season, questions have swirled around Toulouse's form.

Everyone is worried about whether Toulouse is in good shape. Toulouse is first. And you'd better worry about those who didn't qualify.

The champions then retreated to a training camp near Girona, Spain, while Racing battled past Pau 33-31 in the barrage.

Injuries and doubts

Toulouse will be without goal-kicker Thomas Ramos, injured, and Antoine Dupont only recently resumed playing after muscular discomfort sidelined him since 9 May.

I will never be satisfied. I think I am like any top-level competitor, I prefer to be on the winning side rather than the losing side.

Racing manager Patrice Collazo, a former Toulouse player, called his old club gravediggers and insisted it would be a mistake to underestimate them.

1. Apr 12, 2026Toulouse knocked out of the Champions Cup by Bordeaux-Bègles (30-15).
2. May 9, 2026Antoine Dupont plays his last match before a muscular injury, against Toulon at the Vélodrome.
3. Jun 7, 2026Toulouse loses 31-20 to Racing 92 on the final day of the regular season.
4. Jun 13, 2026Racing 92 beats Pau 33-31 in the barrage; Racing U15s win the French championship.
5. Jun 19, 2026Semi-final: Toulouse vs Racing 92 at Stade Vélodrome, Marseille.

Economic windfall for Marseille

The semi-finals are a sell-out, with 67,000 spectators expected for each match.

If we take the example of Lyon in 2025, it was a little over 20 million euros in direct economic benefits for the area. So obviously it makes the local economy spin.

A 2025 study put the average spend of a rugby supporter at semi-finals at 350 euros, excluding tickets. Following Marseille this year, the LNR has already awarded the event to Bordeaux (2027), Lille (2028), Lyon (2029) and Marseille again in 2030.

What's next

The winner of Toulouse–Racing will face either Montpellier or Stade Français, who meet on Saturday 20 June. The Top 14 final is set for 27 June at the Stade de France.