Episode Details

Top 14 Round 20 Preview: Playoff Push, Relegation Battle & Pro D2 Update | French Rugby CONNECTIONS

Veronique Landew and co-host Bill Hooper preview a pivotal Top 14 Round 20 as the league enters the final third of the regular season, with playoff spots, home semifinals to play for, and relegation on the line. They discuss Montpellier’s surge up the table, Toulouse’s need to maintain momentum, Bordeaux’s big win, the crowd’s booing of Romain Ntamack, and the experiment of Damian Penaud playing at centre for added versatility. Key matches highlighted include Toulouse–Montpellier, Lyon–Bordeaux, Bayonne–La Rochelle, Stade Français–Clermont, plus crucial lower-table games such as Perpignan–Toulon and Castres–Mont-de-Marsan. They recap current standings, cover Pro D2 leaders Vannes’ winning streak and playoff picture, note the upcoming Women’s Six Nations squads, mention Serge Blanco’s election as mayor of Biarritz, and reference Johnny Wilkinson’s advocacy around mental health amid coaching pressure. Enjoy the French Rugby CONNECTIONS, the rugby podcast with the Gallic Flair. Established in 2020!

00:00 Bonjour Rugby Friends
00:19 Podcast Kickoff
00:40 Season Run In Stakes
01:52 Montpellier Surge
03:03 Bordeaux Toulouse Showdown
04:10 Penaud At Centre
06:07 Weekend Must-Watch Games
07:54 Mid Table Playoff Scramble
11:38 Relegation Battle Explained
13:48 Current Table Recap
14:36 Weekend Fixtures Rundown
15:16 Pro D2 Update Vannes Flying
16:27 Women's Six Nations Preview
17:25 Serge Blanco Elected Mayor
18:14 Jonny Wilkinson And Mental Health
21:33 Au Revoir