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Colomiers Rugby
Colomiers Rugby
from Wikipedia

Union Sportive Colomiers Rugby or Rugby Colomiers is a French rugby union club currently competing in Pro D2, the second level of the French rugby pyramid. They had been relegated from Pro D2 after finishing last in the 2006–07 season, but earned promotion from Fédérale 1 at the first opportunity in 2007-08, and survived a relegation scare in 2008–09, finishing 14th, in the last safe position. The club was relegated from Pro D2 in the 2010–11 season. The club, based in Colomiers in the Haute-Garonne département of Occitania, was founded in 1915 and plays at the Stade Michel Bendichou (capacity 11,000). The players wear blue and white. Colomiers have been runners-up in the French championship and Heineken Cup, as well as winners of the European Challenge Cup.

Key Information

US Colomiers were established in 1915. Colomiers had various European success in the late 1990s. In 1998 they won the European Challenge Cup, the competition below the Heineken Cup, defeating fellow French club SU Agen in the final. The following season they competed in the Heineken Cup. They made it all the way to the final, which took place at Lansdowne Road, Dublin. The capacity crowd saw Irish side Ulster win 21 points to 6.

Colomiers also competed in the 1999–00 and 2000–01 Heineken Cups, but did not make the finals stages of the tournament. The club made its first domestic championship final when they met Stade Français in 2000. The Paris club won the game 28 points to 23 at Stade de France. In 2005 they were crowned Fédérale 1 champions and were promoted back up to Pro D2, but went back down to Fédérale 1 after two seasons in the second flight. They again claimed the Fédérale 1 title in 2008 to return to Pro D2.

Honours

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Finals results

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French championship

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Date Winners Score Runners-up Venue Spectators
15 July 2000 Stade Français 28-23 US Colomiers Stade de France, Saint-Denis 78,000

Heineken Cup / European Rugby Champions Cup

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Date Winners Score Runners-up Venue Spectators
30 January 1999 Ireland Ulster 21-6 France US Colomiers Lansdowne Road, Dublin 49,000

European Rugby Challenge Cup

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Date Winners Score Runners-up Venue Spectators
1 February 1998 France US Colomiers 43-5 France SU Agen Stade des Sept Deniers, Toulouse 12,500

Current standings

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2024–25 Pro D2 Table
Pos Team Pld W D L PF PA PD TB LB Pts Qualification
1 Grenoble 30 21 0 9 987 677 +310 11 3 98 Semi-final promotion playoff place
2 Brive 30 20 0 10 764 615 +149 10 4 94
3 Colomiers 30 18 1 11 926 778 +148 7 5 86 Quarter-final promotion playoff place
4 Provence 30 17 1 12 818 722 +96 7 5 82
5 Soyaux Angoulême 30 17 2 11 761 727 +34 6 2 80
6 Montauban 30 17 0 13 781 762 +19 4 5 77
7 Béziers 30 16 0 14 769 695 +74 7 6 77
8 Valence Romans 30 13 0 17 840 782 +58 4 8 64
9 Biarritz 30 14 0 16 718 757 −39 4 5 64
10 Nevers 30 14 0 16 706 857 −151 3 3 62
11 Dax 30 13 1 16 634 745 −111 3 4 61
12 Oyonnax 30 12 1 17 749 716 +33 6 5 61
13 Mont-de-Marsan 30 13 0 17 768 838 −70 3 5 60
14 Agen 30 12 0 18 699 727 −28 3 8 59
15 Aurillac 30 13 0 17 700 873 −173 2 3 57 Relegation play-off
16 Nice 30 7 0 23 592 941 −349 1 6 35 Relegation to Nationale
Updated to match(es) played on 16 May 2025. Source: [1]

Current squad

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The squad for the 2024–25 season is:[1][2]

Note: Flags indicate national union under World Rugby eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-World Rugby nationality.

Player Position Union
Pablo Dimcheff Hooker Italy Italy
Tomo Kolokilagi Hooker France France
Théo Lachaud Hooker France France
Thomas Larrieu Hooker France France
Robin Bellemand Prop France France
Eliès El Ansari Prop France France
Marco Fepulea'i Prop Samoa Samoa
Pierre-Emmanuel Pacheco Prop France France
Hugo Pirlet Prop France France
Michaël Simutoga Prop France France
Guillaume Tartas Prop France France
Louis Descoux Lock France France
Maxime Granouillet Lock France France
Janse Roux Lock South Africa South Africa
Jean Thomas Lock France France
Jack Whetton Lock New Zealand New Zealand
Grégoire Bazin Back row France France
Alexis Caumel Back row France France
Martin Devergie Back row France France
Anthony Coletta Back row France France
Aldric Lescure Back row France France
Eliott Maurel Back row France France
Caleb Timu Back row New Zealand New Zealand
Player Position Union
Sadek Deghmache Scrum-half France France
Mathis Galthié Scrum-half France France
Ugo Seguela Scrum-half France France
Brett Herron Fly-half England England
Joaquin de la Vega Fly-half Argentina Argentina
Martin Dulon Centre France France
Dorian Laborde Centre France France
Ray Nu'u Centre New Zealand New Zealand
Pablo Patilla Centre France France
Enzo Salles Centre France France
Baptiste Serrano Centre France France
Martín Alonso Wing Spain Spain
Rodrigo Marta Wing Portugal Portugal
Valentin Saurs Wing France France
Anzelo Tuitavuki Wing Tonga Tonga
Max Auriac Fullback France France
Ugo Pacome Fullback France France
Vincent Pinto Fullback Portugal Portugal

Espoirs squad

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Note: Flags indicate national union under World Rugby eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-World Rugby nationality.

Player Position Union
Clovis Chizat Hooker France France
Baptiste Gualda Hooker France France
Romain Fierret Prop France France
Theo Pedemons Lock France France
Jérémy Bechu Back row France France
Paolo Parpagiola Back row France France
Martin Tremoulet Back row France France
Natan Culinat Scrum-half France France
Arthur Diaz Scrum-half France France
Guillaume Laffont Scrum-half France France
Eliott Arandiga Fly-half France France
Farell Delourmel Wing France France

Notable former players

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Coaches

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See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Union Sportive Colomiers, commonly known as Colomiers Rugby, is a French professional club based in Colomiers, a suburb of in the department. Founded in 1915, the club initially played on local fields like Garroussal, with players changing in nearby cafés before evolving into a competitive force in French rugby. The team competes in the , France's second-tier professional league, and plays its home matches at the Stade Michel-Bendichou, which has a capacity of around 11,000 spectators. Colomiers Rugby rose to prominence in the late 1990s during the early professional era of the sport in France, achieving significant European and domestic success. In 1998, the club won the European Challenge Cup, defeating 43–5 in the final at Stade des Sept Deniers in , marking their first major international title. The following year, they reached the Heineken European Cup final but lost 21–6 to at in , showcasing their competitive edge on the continental stage. Domestically, Colomiers advanced to the French Rugby Union Championship final in 2000, falling 28–23 to at , which remains their only appearance in the Bouclier de Brennus final to date. Following this golden period, during which the club competed in the Top 14 from 1996 to 2001, Colomiers faced relegations and promotions, dropping to the second division in 2001 and to in 2004 before reclaiming status multiple times through titles in 2005, 2008, and 2012. Since stabilizing in in 2012, the club has maintained a competitive presence in the league, with a exceeding €5 million by that year and growing to around €9 million as of the 2024–25 season, alongside ongoing efforts to develop youth academies and infrastructure. Notable figures associated with the club include former players like David Skrela, who later became president of the club's association in 2024, and international stars who passed through during its peak years. Today, Colomiers Rugby emphasizes and sustainable growth, embodying the resilient spirit of southwestern French rugby traditions.

History

Early years (1915–1980s)

The Union Sportive Colomiers, based in the region near , , established its rugby section in 1915 amid the early spread of the sport in southwestern . The inaugural team focused on local amateur competitions, with players changing uniforms at Café Berger before walking to the Garroussal field, funding operations through modest 20-sous contributions per member. Despite the disruptions of , the club integrated into emerging French rugby structures by the 1920s, adopting blue and white colors that reflected community ties. Early growth was hampered by challenges, including the poaching of talented players by larger Toulouse-area clubs, leading to the rugby section's suspension in 1922 and eventual dissolution by 1928. Limited resources, such as makeshift facilities and reliance on local enthusiasm, further constrained development during the . The club persisted through other sports like and football under the Union Sportive Colomiers banner, founded in 1932, but rugby remained dormant until a revival in 1963, when former players reformed the section under President Raymond Paupy. This relaunch positioned the team in the regional 4th series championship, marking a gradual reintegration into competitive play. Key milestones emerged in the , with promotion to the 3rd series by after winning the Pyrénées championship final against Muret 9-6. The 1970s brought further progress, including promotion to the 3rd division nationale in 1975 following a 9-6 victory over Saint-Lary, and establishment of youth programs by the late decade under President Brunet to build local talent. These initiatives emphasized grassroots development amid ongoing competition from powerhouse sides, fostering resilience but underscoring the club's resource limitations compared to regional rivals. By the early , consistent promotions had elevated Colomiers toward national recognition, setting the stage for later ambitions.

Success in the 1990s

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Colomiers Rugby experienced a rapid ascent to elite status in French rugby, culminating in their promotion to Group A, the top division, in 1988 under coaches Christian Déléris and José Osès, following a strong second-place finish in their promotion pool. This breakthrough allowed the club to compete consistently in the premier league, with their first appearance in the elite playoffs occurring in 1990, where they defeated Toulon 6-3 in the first leg before a narrow elimination. By the 1991-1992 season, Colomiers finished third in their Group A pool, advancing to the quarterfinals for the first time, a milestone that solidified their presence among France's top clubs. From 1993 onward, the club's domestic performances strengthened, enabling sustained top-flight participation amid the evolving structure of French rugby championships. Under the leadership of president Michel Bendichou, Colomiers reached the quarterfinals in 1997, notably upsetting European champions 31-26 before falling to in the semifinals. The following year, in , they advanced to the semifinals, narrowly losing 15-13 to on May 10, demonstrating a competitive edge with a balanced squad featuring dynamic play and solid defense. These results highlighted Colomiers' emergence as a formidable mid-tier contender, consistently qualifying for postseason play and challenging established powers like and . Colomiers entered European competitions in the 1996-1997 season, qualifying for the inaugural European Challenge Cup after finishing among the top French teams in domestic rankings. This debut marked a significant expansion of the club's ambitions, with early campaigns building momentum through victories over domestic rivals that propelled them toward deeper tournament runs by the late . The buildup included strategic pool stage successes and knockout advancements, positioning Colomiers as a rising force in continental rugby. The advent of professionalism in 1995 profoundly impacted Colomiers' structure and recruitment, transforming the club from an amateur outfit into a semi-professional entity capable of attracting international talent. Coaches like Jacques Brunel reorganized training and squad management, integrating players such as Fabien Galthié, David Skréla, and Patrick Tabacco, who joined in 1994 and enhanced the team's tactical depth. This shift, supported by local investment and a family-oriented club culture under Bendichou, allowed for full-time contracts and improved facilities, fostering a cohesive unit that balanced regional identity with professional standards during the decade's latter half.

2000s to present

Following the highs of the , Colomiers Rugby encountered significant setbacks in the early 2000s, including relegation from the (now ) at the conclusion of the 2002–03 season amid inconsistent performances and mounting financial pressures that strained the club's resources. The team initially dropped to but faced further demotion to in 2004, exacerbated by the death of influential president Michel Bendichou and ongoing economic challenges that limited recruitment and infrastructure investments. The club responded resiliently, capturing the Fédérale 1 championship in 2005 with a decisive victory over in the final, which propelled them back to for the 2005–06 season. However, stability proved elusive; relegation returned in 2007 due to another subpar campaign. Undeterred, Colomiers claimed their second title in 2008, defeating 36–3 in the final to regain status, highlighting the squad's determination under coach Pierre Jutge. A parallel cycle unfolded in 2011–12, when administrative and on-field struggles led to another demotion, only for the team to secure a third crown that year—edging Massy 20–16 in the final—and immediate promotion for 2012–13. Since their 2012 return to , Colomiers has achieved sustained presence in the second tier, avoiding relegation and positioning as a reliable contender against larger regional rivals like and Bordeaux-Bègles, whose deeper pockets intensify competition for talent and sponsorship. The club's budget grew to over 5 million euros by 2012, supporting gradual improvements in squad depth and coaching, though financial prudence remains essential amid periodic budgetary constraints. In recent years, Colomiers has shown potential, finishing 10th in 2023–24 with a strong defensive record that kept them in contention until the late stages, and finishing 3rd in the 2024–25 regular season and advancing to the promotion , though eliminated prior to the final. To broaden its base and counter elite-level challenges, Colomiers has invested in diversification, launching a women's section in 2015 with an initial cadre of 20 cadet players that has since expanded into competitive teams in Fédérale 2 and youth categories. Parallel efforts in academy development emphasize local talent pipelines, fostering long-term through partnerships with regional schools and community outreach programs that prioritize skill-building over short-term results.

Club facilities

Stadium

The Stade Michel Bendichou serves as the primary home venue for Colomiers Rugby, located at Allée de Brière in Colomiers, , . Originally known as the Stade du Sélery, it was inaugurated around 1965 and underwent significant renovations in 2000 and 2018 to modernize facilities and enhance spectator experience. On October 17, 2004, the stadium was renamed in honor of Michel Bendichou, the club's longtime president from 1981 to 2004, under whose leadership Colomiers achieved notable triumphs including the 1998 European Challenge Cup and reached the final of the 2000 French Championship (). The venue has a seated capacity of 11,000, expanded during the late 1990s and early 2000s to accommodate growing crowds for matches and European competitions. It features a standard pitch measuring 100 meters in length by 70 meters in width, equipped with LED floodlighting for night games and improved drainage systems added in recent upgrades. Fan amenities include ample parking, covered seating in main stands, and accessibility via Tisséo bus line 2, with the nearest stop directly in front of the stadium. Historically, Stade Michel Bendichou has been integral to the club's identity, hosting pivotal home fixtures during Colomiers' golden era in the 1990s, such as European Challenge Cup pool-stage matches that contributed to their 1998 title run and drew record attendances exceeding 10,000 for high-profile clashes.

Training and academy facilities

The primary training ground for Colomiers Rugby is located adjacent to the Stade Michel Bendichou in Colomiers, , featuring four dedicated pitches, including one synthetic surface, to support daily sessions for the professional and youth teams. A dedicated training centre of 1,200 m² was established at the stadium complex in the early 2000s to enhance player preparation, incorporating gym facilities for strength and conditioning work. In October 2024, the club inaugurated the ITrust Factory, a new training center featuring meeting rooms, offices, expanded health and recovery spaces, and direct access to the training pitch, aimed at improving player well-being and . The club's centre de formation, approved by French rugby authorities in 2003, targets players aged 16 to 23 pursuing a dual focus on professional rugby development and , with sessions held , , , and Friday mornings at the Stade Michel Bendichou. This academy provides comprehensive medical support, including on-site doctors, physiotherapists, and a , to monitor and optimize player health and recovery. A specialized coaching staff, led by director Philippe Filiatre and including physical preparator Guillaume Lassalle, oversees tactical and technical progression since the club's professionalization in the . The centre has consistently ranked among the top five in for player development quality as of 2023. Youth development extends through structured sections such as the Espoirs (under-23), Crabos (under-18), and Cadet Alamercery (under-16) teams, which integrate competitive play with skill-building programs at the training ground. These groups, including the Féminine -18 women's youth team, emphasize holistic growth, contributing to the production of players who advance to professional levels.

Achievements and records

Domestic achievements

Colomiers Rugby reached the final of the French Rugby Union Championship (now ) in 2000, marking the club's only appearance in the top-flight decider. They faced at the on July 15, losing 23–28 in a closely contested match. This runners-up finish represented the pinnacle of the club's professional-era success in the premier division. Following relegation from Pro D2 in 2007, Colomiers secured promotion back to the second tier by winning the Fédérale 1 championship in 2008, defeating Bourg-en-Bresse 36–3 in the final at Fos-sur-Mer. This victory earned them the Jean-Prat Cup, the traditional trophy for the Fédérale 1 champions. Similarly, in 2005, after dropping to Fédérale 1 the previous year, the club claimed the title with a narrow 40–22 win over Oloron in the final, also securing the Jean-Prat Cup and immediate promotion to Pro D2. These triumphs in the third tier highlighted the club's resilience and ability to rebound through strong performances in lower divisions. In , Colomiers has frequently qualified for the postseason playoffs, demonstrating consistent competitiveness at the second-tier level. Notable appearances include a semi-final run in the 2015–16 season, where they fell 16–28 to after finishing 5th in the regular-season standings. The club also reached the quarter-finals in the 2020–21 season, losing 22–28 to , and again in 2021–22, exiting to . These playoff qualifications underscore Colomiers' sustained presence among promotion contenders, though they have yet to secure a return to the Top 14 since 2007.

European achievements

Colomiers Rugby's European campaign began in the 1997–98 season with participation in the inaugural rounds of the European Challenge Cup, marking their entry into continental competition. They advanced through the knockout stages, defeating Richmond 49–25 in the round of 16, Montferrand 23–13 in the quarter-finals, and 19–13 in the semi-finals. The club achieved its greatest European success in the 1998 European Challenge Cup final, defeating fellow French side SU Agen 43–5 at Stade des Sept Deniers in on 2 February 1998. This emphatic victory, featuring seven tries including two from flanker Bernard de Giusti, secured Colomiers' only European title to date and highlighted their dominance in the competition's early years. Building on this momentum, Colomiers qualified for the 1998–99 Heineken Cup and reached the final, becoming the first French club to contest the showpiece event. On January 30, 1999, at in , they faced but lost 21–6 in a match controlled by Ulster's kicking game, led by fly-half Simon Mason's 18 points. In the 2000s, Colomiers had more limited involvement in European tournaments, primarily through sporadic appearances in the . Notable campaigns included the 2001–02 Parker Pen Shield, where they won against (36–16) but exited early after losses to Pau, and a group stage exit in the 1999–2000 Heineken Cup following a 38–21 win over .

Current season (2025–26)

League standings

As of November 17, 2025, Colomiers Rugby occupies 2nd place in the 2025–26 season after 11 matches, accumulating 37 points from 8 wins, 0 draws, and 3 losses. The points total comprises 32 points from victories (at 4 points each) and 5 bonus points earned through performance metrics such as scoring additional tries. Their points difference stands at +161, reflecting a strong offensive and defensive balance that has positioned them just 2 points behind league leaders RC Vannes (39 points). This performance translates to an average of 3.4 points per match, placing Colomiers firmly in contention for one of the two automatic promotion spots to the Top 14, with the top two teams securing at season's end. They maintain a comfortable buffer over the 7th-placed team, while the relegation zone—encompassing the bottom two positions for direct demotion to Nationale and 13th for a playoff—remains distant. Colomiers' season objectives center on sustaining this momentum to clinch automatic promotion or, at minimum, a top-six finish for the promotion playoffs, building on their consistent mid-tier finishes in recent campaigns.

Key matches and results

Colomiers Rugby has enjoyed a robust start to the 2025–26 season, particularly on the road, where they have secured four victories in five away matches. Their latest match was a commanding home win against on November 14, 2025, at Stade Michel Bendichou, triumphing 49–6 and showcasing their attacking potency with multiple tries. This victory marked a strong response to their narrow home loss to on November 7, 2025 (10–12), and further solidified their position among the top contenders for promotion with eight wins from eleven matches overall. Prior road successes include wins at (43–22 on October 31), Stade Montois (24–20 on August 29), Soyaux Angoulême (37–15 on September 26), and (15–13 on October 17), with their sole away defeat coming at (21–30 on September 12). Despite the close defeat to , Colomiers displayed notable defensive resilience, restricting opponents to just two tries while competing fiercely in the forwards. Throughout the season, Guillaume Tartas has provided crucial leadership in , guiding the squad's emphasis on defensive solidity and effective set-piece execution to maintain playoff aspirations.

Squad and staff

First-team squad

The first-team squad of Colomiers Rugby for the 2025–26 season comprises 41 professional players, blending experienced French talents with international recruits from , , , , , and . The roster emphasizes a balanced mix of forwards and , with a focus on physicality in the pack and speed in the backline to support the club's attacking style. Contracts range from short-term deals ending in 2026 to longer commitments through 2029, including full-time professionals, medical jokers, and promotions from the for emerging talents under 23. Key players include captain Thomas Larrieu, a veteran French hooker who extended his contract through 2027 and provides leadership in the set-piece. Among the standout performers, Portuguese winger Rodrigo Marta leads the team's try-scoring with multiple efforts in the early season matches, contributing to Colomiers' high-scoring output. New signings for 2025–26 bolster the squad, notably fly-half Valentin Delpy from a previous pathway, English lock Myles Edwards for second-row depth, French full-back Alexandre Borie, and promotion Valentin Barret to strengthen the front row. As of November 2025, injuries have impacted availability: scrum-half Jules Danglot is sidelined with a severe ankle expected to keep him out for several weeks, prop Pierre-Emmanuel Pacheco remains absent due to a calf until late December, and prop Atonio Ulutuipalelei continues a prolonged recovery from a pre-season issue, prompting reliance on loanees and academy call-ups.

Forwards

PositionPlayerNationalityAgeNotes
PropAtonio UlutuipaleleiSamoa28Contract to 2027; injured (long-term)
PropEliès El AnsariFrance28Contract to 2026
PropGuillaume TartasFrance28Contract to 2028
PropMichaël SimutogaFrance29Contract to 2026
PropPhil KitéTonga32Contract to 2027
PropPierre-Emmanuel PachecoFrance23Contract to 2028; injured (calf, out until Dec 2025)
PropRobin BellemandFrance23Contract to 2028; academy promotion
PropValentin BarretFrance20Contract to 2027; academy promotion
HookerPablo DimcheffArgentina26Contract to 2028
HookerThéo LachaudFrance25Contract to 2026
HookerThomas Larrieu (Captain)France34Contract to 2027
LockFederico LavaniniArgentina27Contract to 2027
LockJean ThomasFrance31Contract to 2028 (+1 option)
LockMaxime GranouilletFrance33Contract to 2028
LockMyles EdwardsEngland28New signing; contract to 2028
LockThomas AdélaïdeFrance23Contract to 2026
Back RowAlexis CaumelFrance21Contract to 2027; academy promotion
Back RowCaleb TimuNew Zealand31Contract to 2026
Back RowEliott MaurelFrance24Contract to 2027
Back RowGrégoire BazinFrance25Contract to 2026
Back RowJérémy BéchuFrance22Contract to 2027; academy promotion
Back RowLuka PlataretFrance26Contract to 2028
Back RowNicolas MartinsFrance26Contract to 2027
Back RowPaolo ParpagiolaFrance22Contract to 2026; academy promotion

Backs

PositionPlayerNationalityAgeNotes
Scrum-halfArthur Diaz22Contract to 2027
Scrum-halfJules Danglot24Contract to 2027; injured (ankle, out several weeks)
Scrum-halfUgo Séguéla24Contract to 2028
Fly-halfThéo Giral22New signing; to 2027
Fly-halfValentin Delpy22New signing; to 2026
CentreBaptiste Serrano23 to 2028; academy promotion
CentreEnzo Salles23 to 2027
CentreMartin Dulon25 to 2029
CentreMatías Osadczuk28Medical joker
CentreRay Nu'u27 to 2028
WingerAnzelo Tuitavuki27 to 2026
WingerMartin Alonso25 to 2028
WingerRodrigo Marta26 to 2026; top try-scorer
WingerValentin Saurs30 to 2026
WingerVincent Pinto26 to 2029
WingerFarell Delourmel21 to 2027; academy promotion
FullbackAlberto Carmona21 to 2026
FullbackAlexandre Borie24New signing; to 2027

Academy and youth squads

The of Colomiers Rugby, known as the Centre de Formation, was established in 2002 with the primary objective of developing young players for professional rugby while supporting their academic pursuits through individualized , medical support, and educational partnerships. Ranked fifth among clubs for player formation in 2023, the program emphasizes a balanced dual-project approach, integrating physical , , and schooling to prepare athletes for the demands of elite competition. As of the 2024-2025 season, 41% of the first-team professional squad originated from this , exceeding the club's internal target of 30%. The Espoirs squad, comprising under-23 players, serves as a bridge to the professional level, focusing on integration into through rigorous training sessions held four days a week at Stade Michel-Bendichou. Competing in the Espoirs Élite championship, the team demonstrated strong form in the 2025-2026 season, securing a 29-23 over SU Agen in October 2025 and positioning competitively in their pool after five matches. In the 2022-2023 campaign, they finished second in their group, qualifying for the national playoffs. Colomiers maintains a structured youth pathway below the Espoirs level, including the Crabos (under-18) team, Cadet Alamercery (under-16), and Féminine -18 groups, all participating in national youth championships organized by the . The Crabos train four evenings weekly at Stade Michel-Bendichou under coaches Eric Lacroix and Eddy Lam, with a focus on tactical development and physical conditioning. The Féminine -18 squad holds sessions three times a week at Stade André-Roux, emphasizing skill-building for progression to senior levels. Cadet teams follow similar schedules, fostering regional talent through inter-club competitions. The women's senior team, operating as RST Colomiers/Léguevin, competes in Fédérale 2 and Élite 2 regional leagues, with training sessions scheduled three evenings per week across Stades Michel-Bendichou and André-Roux. This group provides a clear pathway for female players from the under-18 squad, promoting development in a competitive environment that includes brassage phases and promotion playoffs. In the 2024-2025 season, the Fédérale 2 side ranked third in their Occitanie pool with eight points after early matches. Success in the academy is evidenced by consistent promotions to the professional roster, with 3-5 graduates annually signing first-team contracts; notable examples include Mathis Galthié (2024), Arthur Diaz (2024), and Baptiste Serrano (2023), all advancing from Espoirs. Youth achievements include the Crabos' undefeated 2018-2019 season, culminating in a 31-18 national championship victory over . For the women's program, the seniors reached the final in 2024 but fell to , highlighting their competitive edge in regional play.

Notable former players

Colomiers Rugby's history is marked by several players who played pivotal roles in the club's rise during the 1990s, including its European Challenge Cup victory in 1998 and strong domestic performances in the Top 14. These figures not only contributed on the field but also helped establish the club's reputation for competitive rugby in . Fly-half , who spent his formative years at Colomiers from 1985 to 2001, was instrumental in the team's success, captaining the side to the 1998 European Challenge Cup title with a standout performance in the 43–5 final win over SU Agen, where he scored a try and orchestrated the attack. Later, as France's head coach, Galthié credited his time at Colomiers for shaping his rugby philosophy. Jean-Luc Sadourny, a versatile fullback who represented Colomiers from 1984 to 2003, earned 31 caps for and was a cornerstone of the club's backline during its peak, known for his speed and game-reading ability that helped secure multiple playoff appearances. His loyalty to the club spanned nearly two decades, making him one of its longest-serving icons. David Skrela, the fly-half and son of former international Jean-Claude Skrela, featured prominently for Colomiers from 1997 to 2003 (and briefly returned in 2013–2016), contributing over 500 points through his precise kicking and playmaking during the late 1990s campaigns, including the European triumphs. He later became a respected coach in French rugby. Wing Marc Biboulet was a try-scoring machine in the 1998 final, crossing for one of Colomiers' seven tries in the dominant victory over , and he amassed 15 tries across European competitions during his tenure from 1997 to 2002, showcasing explosive pace on the flanks. His contributions extended to the 1999 Heineken Cup final appearance. Prop Éric Béchu, active as a player in the and early before transitioning to coaching at Colomiers, was a foundational figure who helped build the club's forward pack and mentored emerging talents, including Galthié, during the push for promotion and stability in the top flight; he passed away in 2013 after battling cancer. Hooker Yannick Bru joined Colomiers for the 1997–1998 season, providing scrummaging solidity and leadership in the forwards during the Challenge Cup-winning campaign, before moving to and earning 66 caps for as a world-class hooker. His brief stint helped solidify the pack that achieved European glory. Wing Patrick Tabacco, who played for Colomiers from 1994 to 2000, scored crucial tries in domestic and European matches, including during the 1998 title run, and went on to represent 18 times, later becoming a coach and emphasizing the club's role in his development. Post-2000 contributor Romain Terrain, a hooker who featured from 2003 to 2008, brought reliability to the front row amid the club's transition to , playing over 100 matches and aiding efforts to stabilize after relegation, before coaching roles in lower divisions. Lock David Auradou made 50 appearances for Colomiers from 1995 to 1999, dominating lineouts and contributing to the team's semifinal run in 1998 with his physical presence, prior to a successful career at Stade Français where he won multiple titles and earned 27 caps for . Other notable former players include Romain Bézian (prop, 2000s stalwart known for his scrummaging prowess and leadership in survival efforts), Bernard de Giusti (flanker, scored two tries in the 1998 final), and Jérôme Cabannes (hooker, key forward in the European success with strong carrying ability). These players' post-Colomiers careers often included international honors, such as Tuilagi's Samoan caps and Galthié's accolades, underscoring the club's role as a talent incubator.

Coaching staff

The coaching staff of Colomiers Rugby for the 2025–26 season is headed by the duo of Florian Nicot and Aurélien Beco, who assumed leadership roles following the club's restructuring. Florian Nicot serves as and backs coach, having previously acted as backs coach for three seasons; a former player with the club, he signed a three-year contract extending through 2028. Aurélien Beco is the forwards coach, with a background as club captain and former head of the youth academy; he also committed to a three-year deal until 2028. The assistant coaches include Juan Pablo Orlandi as scrum specialist, a retired Argentine international who played for clubs such as Bath, Newcastle, Pau, and , and recently assisted Romania's national team. Fabrice Culinat oversees skills development and scrum-half kicking, while Will Morgan focuses on general kicking techniques. Support personnel features Laurent Delahaye as head of strength and conditioning, managing the team's physical preparation program. The medical team is coordinated by Anthony Latino, who leads efforts in player health and injury management. Yann Kergourlay holds the position of sports director, providing overarching strategic oversight. Recent changes to the staff began with the departure of long-serving Julien Sarraute at the end of the 2024–25 season, after seven years in the role. The promotion of internal figures Nicot and Beco, both former players, has injected fresh continuity and expertise, contributing to Colomiers' impressive early-season form in , where the team holds second place after ten rounds as of November 2025.

References

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