Clermont hand Toulouse first home defeat in nearly a year

PARIS: Clermont beat Top 14 leaders Toulouse 27-24 on Sunday, inflicting their first home loss in almost a year and ending a run that had stretched back to May 17, 2025.

Despite the setback, Toulouse remain comfortably clear at the top of the standings with a 12-point lead over nearest challengers Pau. The result, however, underlined the work still facing coach Ugo Mola and his staff before the end of the season.

It was a dramatic contest in which Toulouse surged into a commanding early lead before Clermont fought back and eventually took control through disciplined defence and accurate kicking.

It's a bit more than just a reminder. We'll take the time to analyse this in order to come back with a different mindset, Mola said.

Toulouse race into early lead

The home side made a flying start. Teddy Thomas crossed after only 42 seconds following a setup by Romain Ntamack. Emmanuel Meafou then added another try in the ninth minute, and Paul Graou, making his 100th appearance for Toulouse, pushed the score to 21-0 after just 10 minutes.

The match initially appeared to be heading toward a one-sided finish. The report noted that the sight of France star Antoine Dupont on the bench, or Toulouse wearing unfamiliar beige shirts similar to those used by the city’s football team the same weekend, may have added an unusual backdrop to the afternoon.

Clermont fight back

Toulouse then lost momentum as disciplinary problems and errors allowed Clermont back into the game. Second-rower Marcos Kremer received an orange card and a 20-minute suspension, while Harry Plummer was shown a yellow card, with both punishments coming for head contact with Kalvin Gourgues.

Clermont capitalised on the openings, using strong set-piece play and taking advantage of Toulouse’s mistakes. Leon Darricarrere got the visitors moving before captain Baptiste Jauneau cut the deficit to seven points in the 31st minute.

After the interval, prop Giga Tutisani brought Clermont to within three points. Their defence remained firm, and Toulouse’s indiscipline continued to hurt them as New Zealand kicker Harry Plummer landed two penalties to put Clermont in front.

Playoff push strengthened

Toulouse, described as clumsy and short of ideas late in the match, failed to make the most of opportunities inside the opposition 22 and were left to accept defeat.

The win lifted Clermont to fifth place with 61 points and strengthened their position in the race for a playoff berth.

For Toulouse, the defeat does not alter their place at the summit, but it serves as a warning sign as the season moves toward its closing stages.