Section Paloise enters 2026-27 with expectations that should be higher after a club-best fourth-place Top 14 finish in 2025-26. Pau went 17-9, scored 817 points and reached the playoffs, where Racing 92 ended its season 33-31.
The question now is how high Pau can realistically climb. Sébastien Piqueronies has continuity, an exciting young core and a reinforced pack that already includes one of the team’s most important players: Argentina captain Julián Montoya.
The 32-year-old, 117-cap hooker completed his first season with Pau after a long stint with Leicester Tigers and started 13 of his 15 Top 14 appearances.
What Has To Go Right For Pau In 2026-27?
Pau’s attack must remain dangerous while the forward group becomes more consistent.
The 98 tries scored last season reflected a quick, expansive style built around players such as Emilien Gailleton and Théo Attissogbe, with Thibault Daubagna and Joe Simmonds providing control inside them.
Montoya gives Pau an elite presence at hooker, but his international obligations with Argentina create an important challenge. Pau needs to withstand periods without its starting No. 2 while also improving a scrum and forward game that have been areas of concern.
If the pack becomes more reliable without sacrificing Pau’s attacking identity, another playoff season becomes much easier to envision.
Did Pau Get Better This Offseason?
Slightly — and the additions make more sense when viewed around Montoya.
Baptiste Pesenti, Bastien Vergnes-Taillefer and Santiago Grondona strengthen the forward options around an established international leader in the front row. Rodrigo Marta adds another attacking back, while Gonzalo Garcia helps cover the departure of veteran scrum-half Dan Robson.
The core remains intact, and young players such as Joachim Senga Kouo and Rémi Couty add developmental upside.
Robson’s departure matters, but Pau enters 2026-27 with greater forward depth and physicality. If those additions help maximize what Montoya already provides at hooker, the pack could become considerably more difficult to target.
What Could Decide Pau’s Season?
Montoya’s availability: The Argentina captain is a major piece of Pau’s pack, but international duty could take him away from the club during portions of the season. How Pau handles those absences could become especially important in a tight Top 14 playoff race.
Forward improvement: Pau already knows it can score. Pesenti, Vergnes-Taillefer and Grondona were added to a group featuring Montoya and Beka Gorgadze. If the set piece and physical battle improve, Pau could become a more complete playoff team.
Stade du Hameau: Thirteen of Pau’s 17 victories last season came at home. Maintaining that advantage remains essential, particularly if greater consistency away from Pau proves difficult.
Pau 2026-27 Season PredictionREGULAR-SEASON PREDICTION: Fifth place.PLAYOFF PREDICTION: Yes. Pau qualifies for the Top 14 playoffs again.TOP 14 TITLE PREDICTION: Unlikely.
MOST LIKELY OUTCOME: A top-six finish followed by another competitive playoff appearance.
CEILING: Semifinalist if Montoya and the reinforced pack give Pau greater control up front and the young attack continues developing.
FLOOR: Mid-table, just outside the playoffs.
WHAT COULD MAKE THIS PREDICTION WRONG: Pau’s ceiling could be higher if the new forwards make an immediate impact around Montoya and the young backs take another significant step. Conversely, extended periods without Montoya, continued set-piece vulnerability or a decline in Pau’s exceptional home form could push Section Paloise outside the top six.
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