Lyon Rugby enters the 2025–26 Top 14 season aiming to rebound from a difficult campaign that saw the club finish 11th in the standings with a 10–2–14 record.
The side has developed into a steady Top 14 presence over the past decade but faces pressure to climb back into the playoff race.
Founded in 1896 and rebranded several times before officially becoming Lyon Olympique Universitaire Rugby in 1910, the club has a deep history that includes two French Championship titles, though the last came in 1933. In the modern era, Lyon has made progress, securing a European Rugby Challenge Cup title in 2022 and reaching the final in 2025.
The squad blends French internationals with key overseas recruits, continuing a pattern of investment in players who bring both experience and flair. Among the notable arrivals this year is Fijian back Iosefo Masi, signed to offset the loss of Davit Niniashvili. England’s Sam Simmonds also brings pedigree to the back row, while established leaders such as Baptiste Couilloud anchor the team’s identity.
Lyon fans have grown accustomed to seasons filled with high-tempo rugby, and the question entering this campaign is whether the squad can convert talent into consistent results.
How To Watch Lyon Rugby in the United States
Fans in the United States can watch every Lyon Rugby match of the Top 14 season live on FloRugby and the FloSports app. The streaming service carries the Top 14, Gallagher Premiership, United Rugby Championship, Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup, making it the central hub for professional rugby in North America.
Lyon Rugby Schedule 2025–26Sept. 6 — vs. Racing 92, Matmut Stadium de GerlandSept. 13 — at US Montauban, Stade SapiacSept. 20 — vs. La Rochelle, Matmut Stadium de GerlandSept. 27 — at Pau, Stade du HameauOct. 4 — at Union Bordeaux-Bègles, Stade Chaban-DelmasOct. 11 — vs. USA Perpignan, Matmut Stadium de GerlandOct. 18 — at Montpellier, GGL StadiumOct. 25 — vs. Stade Rochelais, Matmut Stadium de GerlandNov. 1 — at Toulon, Stade MayolNov. 22 — vs. Clermont, Matmut Stadium de GerlandNov. 29 — at Bayonne, Stade Jean-DaugerDec. 20 — vs. Toulouse, Matmut Stadium de GerlandDec. 27 — at Castres, Stade Pierre-FabreJan. 3 — vs. Bayonne, Matmut Stadium de GerlandJan. 24 — vs. Castres, Matmut Stadium de GerlandJan. 31 — at La Rochelle, Stade Marcel-DeflandreFeb. 14 — vs. Montauban, Matmut Stadium de GerlandFeb. 28 — vs. Toulon, Matmut Stadium de GerlandMar. 21 — at Stade Français Paris, Stade Jean-BouinMar. 28 — vs. Bordeaux, Matmut Stadium de GerlandApr. 18 — at Clermont, Stade Marcel-MichelinApr. 25 — vs. Castres, Matmut Stadium de GerlandMay 9 — at Stade Français Paris, Stade Jean-BouinMay 16 — vs. Bayonne, Matmut Stadium de GerlandMay 30 — at Toulouse, Stade Ernest-WallonJune 6 — vs. Montpellier, Matmut Stadium de GerlandLyon Rugby 2024–25 Season Recap
Last season’s 11th-place finish left Lyon outside of playoff contention. Their 10 wins showed flashes of quality, but 14 defeats underlined inconsistency against the league’s elite. Lyon’s point differential of –47 reflected a defense that struggled to contain stronger attacking sides, and despite moments of brilliance, the season never fully clicked.
Lyon Rugby Interesting Stat
Lyon Rugby has been a fixture in European competition in recent years, highlighted by their 2022 Challenge Cup title. They reached the Challenge Cup final again in 2025, demonstrating the club’s ability to thrive in knockout play, even when league form has faltered.
Lyon Rugby Roster 2025–26
Forwards: Hamza Kaabeche, Thomas Moukoro, Jerome Rey, Guillaume Marchand, Mathis Sarragallet, Camille Chat, Jermaine Ainsley, Irakli Aptsiauri, Cedate Gomes Sa, Killian Geraci, Felix Lambey, Mickael Guillard, Dylan Cretin, Marvin Okuya, Beka Saginadze, Theo William, Liam Allen, Steeve Blanc-Mappaz, Beka Shvangiradze, Arno Botha, Maxime Gouzou, Sam Simmonds.
Backs: Charlie Cassang, Baptiste Couilloud, Leo Berdeu, Paddy Jackson, Martin Meliande, Ethan Dumortier, Vincent Rattez, Jiuta Wainiqolo, Theo Millet, Thibault Regard, Arthur Mathiron, Josiah Maraku, Alfred Parisien, Iosefo Masi, Monty Ioane, Gabin Lorre, Alexandre Tchaptchet.
Lyon Rugby Stadium Matmut Stadium de Gerland
The Matmut Stadium de Gerland has been Lyon’s home since 2017, a move that gave the club a modern stage after years of bouncing between venues. The historic stadium, once a football stronghold, has been transformed into a rugby venue that now regularly draws passionate Lyonnais support.
How To Watch Rugby Matches In The United States On FloRugby
Professional club rugby in Europe all streams on FloRugby and the FloSports app in the United States. FloRugby and FloSports also are the U.S. home to:
FloRugby also is home to match archives and match replays.
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