Pau secures playoff chance with 24‑19 victory over Clermont in Top 14

On 16 May 2026, Section Paloise (Pau) defeated ASM Clermont Auvergne 24‑19 at Stade du Hameau, clinching a vital win that brings them close to guaranteeing a home spot in the Top 14 playoffs. The decisive moment came in the 78th minute when winger Théo Attissogbe scored the winning try, following an earlier try by Jack Maddocks in the fifth minute. Clermont’s Bautista Delguy crossed for a try in the 56th minute, but it was insufficient as Pau earned a defensive bonus point.

Coach Sébastien Piqueronies praised Attissogbe’s performance and highlighted the team’s need for every point to preserve confidence ahead of their final two league matches. Pau’s final fixtures against Montpellier and US Montauban will determine whether they secure a home‑quarter‑final or must rely on other results.

The win also marks Pau’s first appearance in the Top 14 play‑offs since the 2002/03 season, ending a 23‑year absence.