Vannes are the dominant team this season in the Pro D2. After 26 rounds of the French second division season, Vannes are on 104 competition points. Colomiers are in second position on 81 points. With the top six advancing to the play-off’s, Vannes are heavy favorites to go all the way; the club is closing in on a return to the Top 14.
Friday was full of action in the Pro D2. Seven matches were played with Vannes’ 71-0 demolition of Béziers being a talking point. Former Puma Francisco Gorrissen lead the way. The captain and flanker was a try scorer while former Pumas tight head prop, Santiago Medrano also scored a try.
Argentine, and South American, involvement was not limited to Gorrissen and Medrano, however, as Chilean Iñaki Ayarza played outside center and Puma Bautista Pedemonte played N8.
Vannes’ statement win comes in contrast to Montauban who are struggling in the Top 14. Montauban won promotion from the Pro D2 to the Top 14 last season while Vannes, due to finishing bottom of the Top 14, were relegated to the Pro D2.
The play-off picture for the 2025-2026 Pro D2 season sees Vannes in pole position to return to the Top 14. The winner of the Pro D2 Final (Pro D2 Champions) receive automatic promotion to the Top 14. This team trades places with the 14th placed team in the Top 14.
The losing finalists from the Pro D2 Final enter an access match against the 13th placed team from the Top 14 regular season. This has seen Perpignan holding on to their place in the Top 14 in past seasons. Current form and trends indicate that Perpignan will likely contest the access match again in 2026.
The remaining rounds of the Pro D2 and Top 14 seasons will decide which teams feature in the play-offs. In the case of the Pro D2, the top two sides will advance to the Semi Finals to face the winners of barrage matches containing teams ranked 3rd to 6th from the regular season.
The post Vannes with South American Contingent Close in on Top 14 appeared first on Americas Rugby News.
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