La Rochelle Rugby (13-1-12), or Stade Rochelais, begins the 2025–26 Top 14 season with a roster built to compete on multiple fronts.
Founded in 1898, the club has transformed from a regional power to a national and continental contender in the professional era. Its rise has been anchored by depth in the forwards and world-class playmakers in the backs.
In recent years, La Rochelle has developed a reputation for success in Europe. They captured Champions Cup titles in 2022 and 2023, cementing themselves among France’s elite. Though the 2024–25 season fell short of expectations with a mid-table league finish, the team remains respected across the competition.
Supporters at Stade Marcel-Deflandre have been central to that progress. Known for passionate displays, they have helped the club establish one of the most intimidating atmospheres in the league. Opponents rarely find comfort in La Rochelle, where the yellow-and-black crowd is a constant factor.
The 2025–26 season brings new challenges, including tough early fixtures against Bordeaux and Clermont. But La Rochelle enters with the same combination of international stars and proven veterans that has carried the club to finals in both the Top 14 and Europe. With that context, here are three facts general rugby fans will find most interesting.
Back-to-Back Champions Cup Titles
La Rochelle became the toast of Europe in 2022 and 2023 by winning consecutive Champions Cup finals. They defeated Leinster on both occasions, marking one of the most impressive modern runs by a French club. Those triumphs elevated La Rochelle’s profile beyond France, proving they could match the continent’s best.
Will Skelton’s Influence
Australian lock Will Skelton remains one of the most important players in the Top 14. At 6-foot-8 and nearly 300 pounds, he dominates lineouts and scrums while offering leadership on and off the field. Skelton’s presence has helped shape La Rochelle into one of the most physical forward packs in Europe.
A True Home Fortress
Stade Marcel-Deflandre has become a fortress in French rugby. La Rochelle conceded fewer than 20 points in nine matches last season, most of them at home. The stadium’s atmosphere, capacity of more than 16,000 and proximity to the Atlantic coast make it one of the most unique and difficult venues in the league.
How To Watch La Rochelle Rugby in the United States
Fans in the United States can watch every La Rochelle match on FloRugby and the FloSports app. The broadcast package includes all Top 14 games, plus coverage of the Gallagher Premiership, United Rugby Championship, Champions Cup and Challenge Cup. La Rochelle’s season opener and every fixture through the playoffs will be available live and on demand.
La Rochelle Rugby Schedule 2025–26Sept. 6 — at Union Bordeaux-Bègles, Stade Chaban-DelmasSept. 13 — vs. ASM Clermont Auvergne, Stade Marcel-DeflandreSept. 20 — at Lyon, Matmut Stadium de GerlandSept. 27 — vs. USA Perpignan, Stade Marcel-DeflandreOct. 4 — at Montpellier Hérault Rugby, GGL StadiumOct. 11 — at Stade Français Paris, Stade Jean-BouinOct. 18 — vs. US Montauban, Stade Marcel-DeflandreOct. 25 — at Lyon, Matmut Stadium de GerlandNov. 1 — vs. Racing 92, Stade Marcel-DeflandreNov. 22 — vs. Castres Olympique, Stade Marcel-DeflandreNov. 29 — at Pau, Stade du HameauDec. 20 — vs. Bayonne, Stade Marcel-DeflandreDec. 27 — at Toulouse, Stade Ernest-WallonJan. 3 — vs. RC Toulon, Stade Marcel-DeflandreJan. 24 — at ASM Clermont Auvergne, Stade Marcel-MichelinJan. 31 — vs. Lyon, Stade Marcel-DeflandreFeb. 14 — at Montpellier Hérault Rugby, GGL StadiumFeb. 28 — at Castres Olympique, Stade Pierre-FabreMar. 21 — vs. Pau, Stade Marcel-DeflandreMar. 28 — at Bayonne, Stade Jean-DaugerApr. 18 — vs. Union Bordeaux-Bègles, Stade Marcel-DeflandreApr. 25 — at USA Perpignan, Stade Aimé GiralMay 9 — at Racing 92, Paris La Défense ArenaMay 16 — vs. Toulouse, Stade Marcel-DeflandreMay 30 — at US Montauban, Stade SapiacJune 6 — vs. Stade Français Paris, Stade Marcel-DeflandreLa Rochelle Rugby Previous Season Recap
The 2024–25 campaign ended with La Rochelle outside the semifinals despite winning 13 matches. The team secured strong victories over Toulouse and Toulon but lacked consistency away from home. That inconsistency, along with the demands of balancing the Champions Cup, left them just short of their goals.
La Rochelle Rugby Roster 2025–26
Forwards: Alexandre Kaddouri, Louis Keziah Penverne, Reda Wardi, Pierre Bourgarit, Silatolu Latu, Quentin Lespiaucq, Nika Sutidze, Uini Atonio, Alexandre Kuntelia, Joel Sclavi, Karl Sorin, Ultan Dillane, Kane Douglas, Thomas Lavault, Will Skelton, Judicael Cancoriet, Oscar Jegou, Paul Boudehent, Matthias Haddad, Gregory Alldritt, Gael Galvan
Backs: Thomas Berjon, Nolann Le Garrec, Antoine Hastoy, Ihaia West, Nathan Bollengier, Hoani Bosmorin, Dillyn Leyds, Levani Botia, Jonathan Danty, Jules Favre, Simeli Daunivucu, Ulupano Seuteni, Semi Lagivala, Jack Nowell, Suliasi Vunivalu, Davit Niniashvili, Ugo Pacome
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.
Join The Rugby Conversation On FloRugby Social