Vannes-Provence Rugby: Stubborn Bretons, Bouthier's Experience, Aixois' Missed First Chance... The Tops and Flops of the Pro D2 Final

Rugby Club Vannes has officially returned to the elite Top 14 league, clinching the Pro D2 championship title with a hard-fought 18-14 victory over Provence Rugby in the final. This promotion marks a significant achievement for the Breton club, which had previously experienced a stint in the top flight two years ago. After dominating much of the Pro D2 season, Vannes faced a stern challenge in the final, particularly in the first half where efficiency was lacking, but ultimately secured the win in the closing moments.

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Irreductible Bretons.

A key figure in Vannes' triumph was veteran fullback Anthony Bouthier. Despite being 33 years old, Bouthier delivered a performance worthy of his reputation, guiding the team with his experience. He was crucial in controlling field position and launching dangerous counter-attacks that disrupted the opposing defense. His consistent play throughout the season and in the final was vital to Vannes' success, and he will now return to the Top 14, a league he previously won with Montpellier in 2022.

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If he no longer has his twenty-year-old legs, the former French international fullback held his own to guide RCV to another Pro D2 French championship title.

The Vannes forwards also demonstrated resilience, matching the physicality of the Aixois pack. Captain Francisco Gorrissen and his teammates held their own in critical areas like scrums and rucks, maintaining intensity throughout the match. Their strong performance, bolstered by effective substitutions, particularly a dominant scrum in the 65th minute, paved the way for Stevenson's decisive try.

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Impeccable in the battle for territory and author of several well-felt runs to sow disorder in the opposing defense, Anthony Bouthier was one of the strong men of this final, like his season full of precision.

For Provence Rugby, the final represented a missed opportunity to claim their first Pro D2 title in their debut final appearance. Despite a valiant effort, they struggled to match Vannes' pace and intensity at crucial moments, possibly affected by a demanding semi-final. However, their season is not over; they now face a promotion playoff match against Perpignan, where they will seek to secure their place in the Top 14.

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Faced with the density of the Aixois, captain Francisco Gorrissen and his teammates were solid to respond in the main sectors of play (scrum, rucks and intensity).