Top 14 final briefly interrupted by thunderstorm

The Top 14 rugby final between Toulouse and Montpellier experienced an unusual interruption on Saturday when an approaching thunderstorm forced a temporary halt to the match. The game, held at the Stade de France, was stopped in the 59th minute as thunder grew louder and lightning became a concern.

As the second half began, heavy rain started to fall, accompanied by increasingly audible thunder. Organizers deemed the weather conditions a potential danger, prompting referee Luc Ramos to instruct both teams to leave the field and return to the locker rooms. At the time of the interruption, Stade Toulousain held a commanding 28-13 lead over Montpellier.

Players from both sides, captained by Jack Willis for Toulouse and Lenni Nouchi for Montpellier, complied with the referee's decision to ensure their safety. The stoppage lasted for about ten minutes. Once the immediate threat of lightning had passed and the field, though drenched, was deemed safe enough, the teams returned to the pitch to complete the remainder of the match.

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There is danger related to the storm, so we will have to interrupt the match for a few minutes and see how it goes. Everyone must go to the locker room.