Top 14 rugby clubs debate the necessity of pre-season friendlies

Rugby clubs in the French Top 14 are increasingly divided over the necessity of pre-season friendly matches. As schedules become more demanding, several clubs—including Lyon, Montpellier, Toulon, Racing 92, Stade Français, and Toulouse—have reduced their summer programs to just one friendly match.

Critics of the tradition, such as Vannes manager Jean-Noël Spitzer, argue that friendly matches carry a high risk of injury without providing competitive points. He noted that while matches can be beneficial, they are not an absolute obligation. The success of Stade Rochelais in 2021, which won the European Cup after playing zero friendlies, serves as a notable precedent for skipping pre-season games.

Conversely, supporters like ASM Clermont's physical trainer Mourad Abed argue that these matches are essential for testing the intensity of preparation and integrating international players returning from summer duties. Additionally, some clubs utilize these matches to provide playing time to larger squads or to generate ticket revenue.