Top 14: La Rochelle vs. Stade Toulousain kicks off 2026-2027 season, UBB faces Toulouse early

The 2026-2027 Top 14 rugby season promises an explosive start with defending champions Stade Toulousain facing La Rochelle in the opening round. The Ligue Nationale de Rugby (LNR) unveiled the full schedule, setting the stage for a highly anticipated season.

The season kicks off on the weekend of September 5-6, immediately highlighting the clash between the two powerhouses. Meanwhile, European champions UBB will host Racing 92 at Chaban-Delmas, aiming to build momentum for a potential title challenge. Their early ambitions will be tested as they travel to face Toulouse in the second week.

Further into the season, Toulouse will host Montpellier in the fourth round, a rematch of a previous final. The festive period brings a Parisian derby, with Racing 92 and Stade Français set to battle on Boxing Day, December 26-27.

The regular season will wrap up on June 5, 2027, leading into the playoffs. The knockout stages begin with the preliminary finals on June 12, followed by the semi-finals in Bordeaux on June 19. The grand finale to crown the champions will take place at the Stade de France on June 26, 2027.