Toulouse secure historic fourth consecutive Top 14 title with 28-20 victory over Montpellier, as Galthié calls up nine finalists for Nations Championship

Final under the storm

A thunderstorm rolled over Saint-Denis as the two best sides in French rugby met for the Top 14 final on 27 June. Toulouse, the competition's impregnable fortress, had to withstand early pressure before Peato Mauvaka crossed twice and Jack Willis disrupted Montpellier at the breakdown. The 28-20 scoreline reflected a match in which the champion lifted its level in the decisive moments, leaving Montpellier to rue a failure to capitalise on rare Toulouse errors.

Montpellier's near miss

Montpellier, who avoided relegation to Pro D2 only two seasons ago, came within touching distance of the shield but could not convert pressure into points. Captain Lenni Nouchi watched the trophy ceremony from the turf as Toulouse celebrated.

I watched Toulouse lift the Shield while I was sitting on the pitch.

Toulouse's historic quadruple

The victory sealed a quadruplé historique for Stade Toulousain, the first time a club has won four consecutive Top 14 titles. Mauvaka's double and Willis's breakdown work anchored a performance that overcame a nervy opening under the rain and lightning.

Galthié's post-final call-up

Hours after the final, Fabien Galthié announced the nine players chosen from the two finalists to join France's Nations Championship squad. The list includes Antoine Dupont, Romain Ntamack and Emmanuel Meafou, alongside a Montpellier player whose identity was flagged as a surprise by observers.