Stade Rochelais clinches Top 14 playoff spot and outlines squad rebuild for 2026‑27

Ronan O’Gara celebrated Stade Rochelais' qualification for the Top 14 playoff phase after a 27‑22 victory over Stade Français, noting that the result was “miraculous” and that the team overcame a difficult season. He praised the players’ combativeness and said the club now looks ahead to the next match in the barrages.

Looking forward to the 2026‑27 season, the club is preparing a major roster overhaul. Young talents from the academy have had their contracts extended to 2028‑29, and veteran third‑rower Levani Botia has also secured an additional year. At the same time, several long‑serving forwards such as Reda Wardi and Joël Sclavi are set to leave. The recruitment drive will focus on adding physically powerful front‑row players, with scouting both in France and abroad, although no signings have been confirmed yet.