Racing 92
Racing 92 is a professional rugby union club based in Nanterre, in the Hauts-de-Seine department of the Île-de-France region surrounding Paris, France. Formed in 2001 through the merger of the rugby sections of the historic Racing Club de France and US Métro, the club competes in the Top 14, France's premier domestic rugby union league, and the European Rugby Champions Cup.[1][2] Known for its ambitious "showbiz" approach to the sport, Racing 92 plays home matches at the Paris La Défense Arena, a modern venue with a capacity of over 30,000, and has established itself as one of Europe's most prominent clubs through high-profile signings and competitive success.[3][4] The club's roots trace back to the Racing Club de France, established in 1882 as a multi-sport organization, with its rugby section beginning in 1890 and claiming the inaugural French rugby championship in 1892.[5] After periods of decline, including relegation in 2000, the 2001 merger revitalized the team under the name Racing Métro 92, reflecting the departmental code "92" for Hauts-de-Seine; it was shortened to Racing 92 in 2015.[1][6] Since 2006, property developer Jacky Lorenzetti has owned the club, investing heavily to attract international stars such as Dan Carter, Jonny Sexton, and Siya Kolisi, transforming it into a global rugby powerhouse.[7][8] Racing 92's major achievements include winning the Top 14 title in 2016, defeating Toulon 29-21 in the final at Camp Nou, Barcelona, marking their first professional-era domestic crown (in addition to five historical titles from the pre-merger era: 1892, 1900, 1902, 1959, and 1990).[1][9] The club has reached the Top 14 final on two additional occasions (runners-up in 2018 and 2021) and has been a consistent European contender, finishing as runners-up in the Champions Cup in 2016 (to Saracens), 2018 (to Leinster), and 2020 (to Exeter Chiefs).[4][10] As of 2025, under head coach Patrice Collazo, Racing 92 continues to blend entertainment, star power, and competitive edge in French and European rugby.[11]History
Origins and early years
The Racing Club de France was established on 20 April 1882 in Paris by a group of students from elite institutions, including the Lycée Condorcet, Lycée Janson de Sailly, Lycée Carnot (formerly École Monge), and Lycée Rollin, as a multi-sport club initially centered on athletics but quickly incorporating rugby union as a core activity by 1890.[12][13] This founding reflected the aristocratic ethos of the Parisian elite, who sought to promote physical education, camaraderie, and competition inspired by British sporting traditions. The rugby section emerged amid the sport's nascent popularity in France, positioning the club as a pioneer among amateur outfits dedicated to fostering talent from upper-class backgrounds. In its early years, the club engaged in regional competitions within the Paris league, building a reputation for skillful play and rivalry with emerging teams like Stade Français. The 1892 French rugby championship marked a milestone, with Racing defeating Stade Français 4-3 in the final—the inaugural national title—officiated by Pierre de Coubertin, the Olympic movement's founder and a key influencer in French sports.[14][15] Foundational figures from the Parisian elite, such as the student founders, emphasized ethical amateurism and club prestige, while early facilities centered on grounds in Paris before shifting to Colombes, where the first rugby match was played in 1908, solidifying the suburb's role in the club's development.[16] Throughout the interwar period, Racing maintained strict amateur status, competing successfully in national tournaments and contributing players to the French national team, though without additional major titles until later decades. World War II severely disrupted operations, as German occupation limited travel, player mobilization into military service, and match scheduling, forcing a hiatus in competitive play and straining the club's resources amid broader national turmoil.[5] Postwar recovery saw resumed amateur competitions, but by the 1960s, evolving economic pressures led to semi-professional undertones, with players increasingly supported through club-arranged jobs and expenses to sustain commitment, foreshadowing the official shift to professionalism in the 1990s.[17]Merger with Métro and rebranding
In 2001, the rugby sections of Racing Club de France and Union Sportive Métropolitaine des Transports (US Métro) merged to form Racing Métro 92, a move prompted by severe financial difficulties for both clubs amid the transition to professional rugby in France. Racing Club de France, an aristocratic institution founded in 1882, had suffered relegations from the top flight in 1996 and 2000 due to mounting debts and declining performance, while US Métro, a working-class club affiliated with the RATP public transport company and established in 1928, struggled with limited resources in the lower divisions. The merger pooled administrative and financial assets to ensure survival, creating a professional structure in Pro D2 (then known as the second division) and adopting "92" to denote the Hauts-de-Seine department, reflecting the club's suburban base west of Paris. This union preserved the non-rugby amateur sections of both parent clubs while focusing the new entity on professional rugby. The merger initially staved off immediate collapse but did not eliminate early professional challenges, as Racing Métro 92 grappled with ongoing financial instability that nearly led to bankruptcy proceedings in the mid-2000s. By 2006, real estate billionaire Jacky Lorenzetti acquired a majority stake in the club's Société Anonyme Sportive Professionnelle (SASP), injecting substantial capital estimated in the multimillions of euros to overhaul operations, recruit high-profile international players, and implement administrative reforms for fiscal sustainability. These changes, including streamlined governance and increased sponsorships, transformed the club's trajectory, culminating in promotion to the Top 14 in 2009 after clinching the Pro D2 title with a 33-12 victory over Bordeaux-Bègles in the final. In 2015, the club underwent a rebranding to Racing 92, eliminating "Métro" from its name following the dissolution of US Métro's rugby section and a legal separation to fully independent status under Lorenzetti's ownership. This shift symbolized a renewed emphasis on the club's suburban identity in Hauts-de-Seine (department code 92) and distanced it from its transport-affiliated origins, while retaining historical ties to Racing Club de France. The rebranding was implemented on July 1, 2015, with minimal controversy among fans, who largely embraced it as a modernization that honored the merged legacy without diluting regional pride.Expansion and modern era
Following the rebranding and professionalization efforts, Racing 92 experienced significant growth in the 2010s, driven by substantial financial investment from owner Jacky Lorenzetti, which enabled the recruitment of high-profile international players to elevate the club's competitive standing.[2] A notable example was the signing of Ireland fly-half Johnny Sexton on a two-year deal in 2013, which brought World Cup experience and helped solidify the backline.[7] This was followed by the marquee acquisition of New Zealand's Dan Carter in December 2014 on a three-year contract, with his debut coming in the 2015-16 European Champions Cup against Northampton Saints; Carter's arrival, as the all-time leading international points scorer, markedly boosted the club's global visibility and fanbase.[18] Under co-coaches Laurent Labit and Laurent Travers, Racing 92 achieved a breakthrough in domestic rugby by winning the 2015-16 Top 14 title, their first in the professional era and sixth overall, defeating Toulon 29-21 in the final at Barcelona's Camp Nou before a record crowd of 99,124. The victory, highlighted by contributions from Carter and full-back Brice Dulin, marked the culmination of a season where the team topped the regular-season standings and showcased a balanced attack-defense system. This success propelled Racing into European contention, leading to three appearances in the Champions Cup final over the next four years, though they fell short each time: a 21-9 loss to Saracens in 2016 at Lyon, a 15-12 defeat to Leinster in 2018 at Bilbao, and a 31-27 reverse against Exeter Chiefs in 2020 at Bristol.[19][20] In the 2020s, Racing 92 continued its expansion through strategic signings and infrastructure enhancements, maintaining a competitive edge amid financial challenges in French rugby. The 2023-24 Top 14 season saw them finish sixth with 62 points from 26 matches, securing a playoff spot but exiting in the barrage round with a 19-33 loss to Toulon; key performances included a 59-10 home win over Perpignan early in the campaign.[21] Stuart Lancaster, appointed head coach in June 2023 on a four-year deal following his Leinster stint, introduced a structured, high-intensity training regimen aimed at fostering discipline and youth integration, but his tenure ended abruptly in February 2025 after a poor run left the team 12th in the [Top 14](/page/Top 14) and out of Champions Cup knockouts.[22] Patrice Collazo was appointed interim head coach from February 2025, leading the team to a 10th-place finish in the 2024-25 [Top 14](/page/Top 14) season with an 11-2-13 record.[23] Collazo continued in the role for the 2025-26 season, where Racing 92 has recorded mixed results in the early rounds, sitting mid-table as of November 2025. Concurrently, the club's financial commitments under Lorenzetti supported expansions, including upgrades to the Plessis-Robinson training center with advanced fitness and recovery facilities to support the academy and senior squad.[14]Identity and facilities
Name, emblem, and colours
Racing 92's current name was adopted on July 1, 2015, when the club dropped "Métro" from its previous moniker, Racing Métro 92, to emphasize its heritage from the Racing Club de France founded in 1882.[24] The club's emblem is a shield divided into nine horizontal hoops alternating sky blue and white, inscribed with the name "Racing 92" and the founding year "Depuis 1882." This design evolved with the 2015 rebranding to remove references to the merger partner US Métro, and received a further update in 2017 during a club press conference to modernize the typography while preserving the traditional striped motif.[25] The traditional colours of sky blue and white hoops have defined the club's identity since its origins in the late 19th century, symbolizing elegance and the Parisian suburbs. These colours appear prominently on home kits, with sponsor logos such as Société Générale— the league's major partner—integrated across the chest since the early 2000s.[26][27] Nicknamed Les Ciel-et-Blanc (the sky and white) for their distinctive kit and Racingmen by fans, the club maintains this visual branding across all uniforms.[28] Kit designs have evolved from early 20th-century woolen jerseys to contemporary performance fabrics, with Le Coq Sportif supplying the kits from 2016 until the end of the 2020/21 season. Nike became the official kit supplier starting with the 2021/22 season, introducing breathable Dri-FIT materials while retaining the classic stripes; away kits often feature solid white or navy bases, and third kits incorporate subtle variations for European competitions like the Champions Cup.[29][30]Stadium and training grounds
Racing 92's historical home ground was the Stade Olympique Yves-du-Manoir in Colombes, a venue originally constructed in 1907 that served as the club's primary stadium until 2017 and hosted several early finals for the team.[31][32] The club has also occasionally utilized the Stade de France in Saint-Denis for significant matches, including high-profile Top 14 fixtures and European competitions, leveraging the national stadium's 80,000 capacity to accommodate larger crowds.[33] The club's current primary venue is Paris La Défense Arena in Nanterre, a modern indoor facility opened in October 2017 with a dedicated rugby configuration capacity of 30,000 spectators.[34][35] Owned by Racing Arena, a group affiliated with the club's ownership, the U-shaped arena was purpose-built for Racing 92 as its resident team and features modular seating, synthetic turf, and advanced acoustics for both sports and concerts.[36] Racing 92's training infrastructure is centered at the club's high-performance facility in Le Plessis-Robinson, which includes natural grass and synthetic pitches, gymnasiums, and recovery areas designed to support professional and youth development.[37] Expansions in the early 2020s enhanced the site with additional medical and analytical resources to bolster player conditioning and injury prevention.[14] As of 2025, Paris La Défense Arena incorporates sustainability measures such as a 40% reduction in energy consumption and 80% waste recycling targets, aligning with broader corporate social responsibility goals.[38] Following its temporary conversion into an Olympic aquatics venue for the 2024 Paris Games—where modular pools were installed over the rugby pitch—the arena underwent rapid adaptations to restore its rugby setup, including eco-friendly deconstruction and air quality improvements via systems like Myrtha Breathe for a healthier playing environment.[39][40]Cultural traditions and exclusivity
Racing Club de France, founded in 1882, emerged as one of France's pioneering organized sports clubs, rooted in the elite and bourgeois circles of Parisian society, with early involvement from Pierre de Coubertin, the architect of the modern Olympics. The club's early identity reflected aristocratic exclusivity, serving as a prestigious gathering point for nobility and upper-class individuals across its multi-sport disciplines, including rugby, athletics, and tennis. This heritage positioned Racing as a symbol of refined sporting culture, where participation underscored social status and elegance among the French elite.[41][42] In the modern era, Racing 92 has evolved into a beacon of eccentricity within French rugby, blending its sophisticated origins with playful, theatrical traditions. The late 1980s marked a pivotal shift with the rugby section's "Le Show-Bizz" era, where players donned signature pink bow ties during the 1987 championship final against Toulon— even presenting one to French President François Mitterrand—and celebrated with champagne served on the pitch at half-time in the 1990 final victory over Agen. This flamboyant style, evoking Parisian haute couture and showmanship, persists today, as seen when the team wears pink bow ties in major fixtures like the 2020 Champions Cup final, distinguishing Racing from the more conventional approaches of rivals.[3][10] Fan culture amplifies this eccentricity through innovative supporter initiatives, including the "Racing Family" community program that organizes themed matchdays with dedicated stands for families, students, and hardcore enthusiasts, fostering an immersive and inclusive atmosphere at Paris La Défense Arena. The club's passionate following engages in vibrant pre- and post-match rituals, often incorporating elements of Parisian flair like coordinated attire and celebratory toasts, enhancing the social spectacle of games.[43][44] Central to Racing 92's cultural identity is its storied rivalry with Stade Français, France's oldest rugby derby originating in 1892 and emblematic of intra-Parisian competition. These high-tension clashes, frequently hosted at the iconic Stade de France, draw massive crowds and embody the club's competitive spirit, with matches often serving as cultural events that highlight the contrasting styles and histories of the two Parisian powerhouses.[45] Reflecting a deliberate shift toward greater accessibility, Racing 92 has pursued inclusivity since its 2017 rebranding, forging deepened ties with the Hauts-de-Seine department through community outreach programs that introduce rugby to local youth, schools, and diverse populations in the western Paris suburbs. These initiatives, building on a 2009 departmental partnership, aim to democratize the club's elite legacy by promoting participation and social integration across socioeconomic lines.[46]Administration and staff
Ownership and chairmen
Racing 92's governance traces its roots to the multi-sport Racing Club de France, founded in 1882, where early influential figures included Pierre de Coubertin, an officer of the club who refereed the inaugural French rugby union championship final in 1892 between Racing Club de France and Stade Français.[47] The rugby section operated within this broader athletic framework until 2001, when it separated to merge with US Métro, forming Racing Métro 92 as a professional entity focused solely on rugby union; Jacky Lorenzetti played a key role in facilitating this merger.[42] Since 2006, Swiss-French real estate magnate Jacky Lorenzetti has served as the club's majority owner and president, acquiring a controlling stake to steer its professional development.[48] Founder of the real estate firm Foncia, Lorenzetti has channeled significant personal resources into the club, elevating it from second-division struggles to a Top 14 contender and European competitor through strategic investments in infrastructure and talent.[2] His leadership marked a pivotal shift toward financial independence and rugby specialization, with the club rebranding to Racing 92 in 2015 to reflect its Hauts-de-Seine base.[6] The ownership structure is privately held via Lorenzetti's family holding company, Ovalto, which oversees the club's SASP (Société Anonyme Sportive Professionnelle). A landmark investment under his tenure was the development of Paris La Défense Arena, the club's dedicated home stadium, completed in 2017 at a total cost of approximately €320 million and funded in part by Lorenzetti to generate non-sporting revenue streams like concerts. This facility, Europe's largest indoor venue with 30,681 seats, symbolizes the governance evolution from a subsidized multi-sport entity to a self-sustaining rugby powerhouse.[33] In terms of leadership, Lorenzetti has held the presidency continuously since 2006, chairing the supervisory board. Laurent Travers was appointed president of the executive board in 2023 to handle day-to-day operations, but departed the club on December 26, 2024, and was replaced by Arnaud Tourtoulou.[49] This dual-board model underscores the club's emphasis on strategic oversight amid ongoing financial commitments exceeding hundreds of millions of euros in club and facility enhancements as of 2025.[50]Coaching and management structure
Racing 92's coaching and management structure, as of November 2025, is led by head coach Patrice Collazo, who assumed the role on 1 February 2025 following Stuart Lancaster's departure amid a challenging season. Collazo, a former France international prop with prior head coaching experience at clubs including Toulon and La Rochelle, oversees a core staff that includes forwards coach Olivier Azam, responsible for scrum and lineout development, and skills coach Joe Rokocoko, focusing on defensive patterns and skills training. Additional key members encompass Frédéric Michalak as backs and attack coach, alongside team managers Teddy Boutaayacht and Tom Whitford, with the strength and conditioning team emphasizing fitness protocols tailored to the demands of the Top 14 and European competitions.[51][22] Prior to Collazo, Stuart Lancaster served as head coach from the 2023–24 season until early 2025, having joined the club in 2022 as a senior coach under Laurent Travers. Lancaster, former England head coach, shifted the team's tactical philosophy toward a more balanced approach, prioritizing defensive organization and player discipline over expansive play, while integrating data analytics for performance analysis and opponent scouting. This evolution marked a departure from the attack-focused style under the long-standing co-head coaches Laurent Labit and Laurent Travers, who led from 2012 to 2020 and built Racing 92's reputation for high-tempo, star-driven rugby that propelled the club to two Top 14 finals and a Champions Cup triumph in 2016.[52][53][3] Earlier in the club's modern history, Pierre Berbizier guided Racing Métro as head coach from 2007 to 2011, implementing a pragmatic, forward-dominated strategy that secured promotion to the Top 14 in 2011 and laid foundational success, including a Pro D2 title. Berbizier's tenure emphasized physicality and set-piece dominance, contrasting with the flair-oriented eras that followed. Owner Jacky Lorenzetti has influenced these hires to align with the club's growth ambitions.[54]Players and academy
Senior squad
The senior squad of Racing 92 for the 2025-26 season features a roster of approximately 42 professional and academy players, blending experienced internationals with emerging talents to compete in the Top 14, Challenge Cup, and potential Champions Cup qualification.[55] Key changes for the season include signings such as Joey Manu (New Zealand) and Gerónimo Prisciantelli (Argentina), while departures feature Nolann Le Garrec (to Bayonne) and Henry Arundell (to England).[56] [57] This depth allows for strategic management across competitions, with the team emphasizing physicality in the forwards and creativity in the backs.[23] The squad showcases exceptional international representation, drawing from over 15 nationalities including France, England, Fiji, Georgia, South Africa, Australia, Argentina, New Zealand, Tonga, and Wales, with capped players from the All Blacks (such as Joey Manu) and Springboks (like Hacjivah Dayimani) enhancing the team's global pedigree as of November 2025.[55][57]Forwards
The forward pack, comprising 24 players, is anchored by powerful props and mobile back-row options, providing set-piece dominance and breakdown intensity.- Props: Demba Bamba (France, contract until 2028), Guram Gogichashvili (Georgia, contract until 2029), Hassane Kolingar (France, contract until 2029), Taniela Tupou (Tonga, contract until 2028), Gia Kharaishvili (Georgia, contract until 2027).[58][59]
- Hookers: Robin Couly (France, Espoir), Diego Escobar (Chile, contract until 2027), Feleti Kaitu'u (Tonga, contract until 2026), Janick Tarrit (France, contract until 2028), Yanis Basse (France, academy promotion, contract until 2028).[55][23]
- Locks: Jonny Hill (England, contract until 2028), Romain Taofifénua (France, contract until 2026), Will Rowlands (Wales, contract until 2026), Thomas Lainault (France, contract until 2027), Junior Kpoku (England, Espoir, contract until 2027).[57][60]
- Back row: Nathan Hughes (England, contract until 2027), Fabien Sanconnie (France, contract until 2027), Lekima Tagitagivalu (Fiji, contract until 2028), Hacjivah Dayimani (South Africa, contract until 2027), Ibrahim Diallo (France, contract until 2029), Jordan Joseph (France, contract until 2027), Maxime Baudonne (France, contract until 2027), Soumaila Camara (France, contract until 2026), Noa Zinzen (France, contract until 2027).[60][59]
Backs
The backline, with 21 players, prioritizes versatility and speed, supporting a multifaceted attacking game under the guidance of the coaching staff.- Scrum-halves: Leo Carbonneau (France, contract until 2028), Kléo Labarbe (France, Espoir, contract until 2027).[59]
- Fly-halves: Antoine Gibert (France, contract until 2027), Gerónimo Prisciantelli (Argentina, contract until 2027), Ugo Seunes (France, contract until 2028).[59]
- Centres: Gael Fickou (France, contract until 2027), Sam James (England, contract until 2027), Josua Tuisova (Fiji, contract until 2028), Joey Manu (New Zealand, contract until 2027).[55]
- Wings/Full-backs: Nolann Donguy (France, contract until 2027), Selestino Ravutaumada (Fiji, contract until 2027), Vinaya Habosi (Fiji, contract until 2029), Wilfried Hulleu (France, contract until 2028), Wame Naituvi (Fiji, contract until 2026), Max Spring (France, contract until 2028).[55][23]
Espoirs and youth development
The Espoirs team of Racing 92 serves as the club's under-23 development squad, competing in the Élite Espoirs Championship, France's premier league for emerging rugby talent.[62] This group focuses on bridging the gap between youth ranks and professional play, featuring promising prospects such as prop Édouard-Junior Jabea Njocke (born 2006), who has shown versatility in the forwards, and Herman Coetzee, a South African-born pillar noted for his physicality in set-piece scenarios. Other key contributors include Mathis Boureau d'Argonne and Herman Coetzee at prop, alongside back-row talents like Djiby Diakhite and Luca Emery, all groomed for potential senior integration. Recent promotions to the senior squad include players like Noa Zinzen and Kléo Labarbe, highlighting the pathway's success in the 2025-26 season.[62][55] Racing 92's academy, known as the Centre de Formation, operates from state-of-the-art facilities including a high-tech medical center and advanced gym, emphasizing a holistic development model that balances athletic training with education.[63] Established as part of the club's identity since at least 2014, the program defines its approach through a structured plan de formation, technical expertise, and a philosophy centered on dynamic, possession-based rugby.[64] Approved by the French Ministry of Sports, it supports young players' dual pursuits in sport and academics, partnering with local schools in the Hauts-de-Seine department to integrate rugby schools that connect juniors with professional mentors.[46][65] The academy, linked to the Association Racing Club de France Rugby since 2012, maintains two dedicated centers for early talent nurturing, producing homegrown players who frequently feature in senior matchday squads—such as scrum-half Léo Carbonneau and full-back Max Spring in the 2025/2026 season.[14][58] Success in the academy is evident through consistent recognition and player progression; the center was named France's top formation program by the Ligue Nationale de Rugby in 2015 and continues to demonstrate quality, as highlighted in the strong start to the 2025/2026 Espoirs campaign.[66][67] Graduates have earned international youth honors, with alumni contributing to French under-20 teams in recent Six Nations tournaments, underscoring the pathway's effectiveness.[68] Development initiatives include annual international tours and camps, such as the under-14 team's 2023 visit to Ireland for competitive exposure, alongside domestic scouting networks across France and targeted recruitment from abroad to diversify talent pools.[69] These efforts are supported by club owner Jacky Lorenzetti's investments, which fund the professional arm's youth infrastructure as part of broader strategic growth since his 2006 acquisition.[48]Notable former and current players
Henry Chavancy stands as one of Racing 92's most enduring figures, having dedicated his entire professional career to the club from his debut in 2007 until his retirement in June 2025. As a versatile centre and long-time captain, he amassed over 400 appearances, making him the all-time leader in matches played for the club.[70][71] Chavancy played a pivotal role in Racing's promotion to the Top 14 in 2009 and their 2016 championship win, earning recognition as a one-club legend who embodied loyalty in modern rugby.[72] Wenceslas Lauret, a powerful flanker, was a cornerstone of Racing 92's pack from 2013 until his departure in 2025. The French international, with 28 caps including participation in the 2019 Rugby World Cup and multiple Six Nations campaigns, featured in three Champions Cup finals (2016, 2018, 2020) during his tenure.[73][74] Lauret provided leadership and physicality, with over 250 appearances for the club as of the 2024-25 season. Among former icons, Dan Carter's arrival from New Zealand in December 2015 marked a transformative period for Racing 92. The two-time World Rugby Player of the Year contributed 445 points across 58 appearances, including crucial kicks in the 2016 Top 14 final victory over Toulon.[75][76] His tenure, which ended in 2018, elevated the club's profile and helped secure runner-up finishes in two Champions Cup finals. Carter also holds the distinction of being Racing 92's all-time leading points scorer.[75] Casey Laulala, another All Blacks veteran, brought midfield dynamism to Racing 92 from 2014 to 2018, making 55 appearances and scoring several tries in high-stakes matches.[77] The former Crusaders and Munster centre, with 28 international caps, complemented stars like Carter during the club's 2016 title run before retiring from playing.[78][79] Jerome Kaino, a double Rugby World Cup winner with New Zealand, joined Racing 92 in 2015 shortly after the All Blacks' 2015 triumph and stayed until 2019. The formidable back-rower, with 81 Test caps, added physical edge and leadership, contributing to the 2016 Top 14 success and appearances in European finals.[80][81] Racing 92's legacy is enriched by players who achieved international glory while associated with the club, notably Carter and Kaino, both 2015 Rugby World Cup champions who transitioned directly to Paris post-tournament. Their presence helped blend global talent with French flair, influencing the club's competitive edge in domestic and European competitions.[76][80]Achievements and records
Domestic competitions
Racing 92, tracing its roots to the historic Racing Club de France founded in 1882, has secured six French Rugby Union Championship titles, the precursor to the modern Top 14 league, with victories in 1892, 1900, 1902, 1959, 1990, and 2016.[82][83] The 2016 triumph marked the club's first professional-era success, achieved by defeating RC Toulon 29–21 in the final at Barcelona's Camp Nou stadium before a world-record club rugby crowd of 99,124 spectators.[84] These early wins, including the inaugural 1892 championship against Stade Français, established Racing as one of France's foundational rugby powers in the amateur era.[82] In cup competitions, the club created the Challenge Yves du Manoir in 1931 to promote attacking rugby in honor of aviator Yves du Manoir, though it never claimed the title itself, reaching the final only once in its 72-year history.[85] Pre-professionalism, Racing contributed to the competition's legacy as its organizer alongside clubs like CA Bègles and AS Montferrand, fostering a tradition of high-scoring play that influenced French rugby development. Additionally, during World War I when the regular championship was suspended from 1915 to 1919, Racing won the Coupe de l'Espérance in 1918 by defeating Grenoble 22–9, a wartime consolation tournament limited to four editions that symbolized resilience amid national hardship.[86][87] The club's domestic record reflects consistent competitiveness, with multiple playoff qualifications in the Top 14 since professionalism began in 1995, including semi-final berths in recent seasons that underscore its status as a top-tier contender despite no additional titles post-2016. In the 2024–25 season, Racing 92 reached the Top 14 final but lost 39–33 to Toulouse at the Stade de France. Overall, Racing 92 maintains a strong win rate in league play, bolstered by its merger with US Métro in 2001, which propelled promotion to the elite division and sustained elite-level participation through 2025.[88][1]European competitions
Racing 92 made their debut in the European Rugby Champions Cup during the 2015–16 season, advancing through the pool stage and knockout rounds to reach the semi-finals before losing the final to Saracens 21–9 at Parc Olympique Lyonnais.[89] The club qualified for the tournament via strong performances in the Top 14, establishing themselves as a consistent European competitor.[4] In subsequent seasons, Racing 92 continued to feature prominently, reaching the 2017–18 final where they were narrowly defeated by Leinster 15–12 in Bilbao.[90] They repeated this achievement in 2019–20, progressing to the final but falling to Exeter Chiefs 31–27 at Ashton Gate amid the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.[10] Other notable knockout appearances include quarter-final victories, such as a 19–16 win over RC Toulon in 2015–16 and a 27–22 triumph against Munster in 2017–18, alongside a close 21–22 loss to Toulouse in the 2018–19 quarter-finals.[91][92] Prior to the Champions Cup era, Racing 92 (then known as Racing Métro 92) participated in the European Rugby Challenge Cup and its predecessor, the Heineken European Challenge Cup, with early entries in seasons like 2004–05 and 2005–06. These campaigns saw pool stage advancements but no progression to later knockout stages or titles.[1] In the 2014–15 Challenge Cup, the club finished second in their pool before exiting in the round of 16. More recently, in the 2024–25 season, Racing 92 reached the semi-finals after a quarter-final victory over Connacht, only to lose 29–15 to Lyon at Stade de Gerland.[93][94] Racing 92's European record includes frequent encounters with prominent opponents such as Leicester Tigers in pool stages across multiple seasons, contributing to a competitive win rate in continental play. In the 2024–25 Champions Cup, they recorded two pool wins (23–12 over Harlequins and 31–22 over Stormers) but suffered defeats to Sale Sharks (29–7) and Glasgow Warriors (29–19), finishing outside the top eight and missing the knockouts. As of November 2025, the club has qualified for the 2025–26 Champions Cup pool stage based on their Top 14 standing, with the campaign set to begin in December.[95][96]Key finals and head-to-head results
Racing 92's key final appearances highlight their competitive edge in high-stakes matches, particularly in the Top 14 and European Rugby Champions Cup. In the 2016 Top 14 final, held at Barcelona's Camp Nou stadium, Racing 92 defeated RC Toulon 29-21 to claim the Bouclier de Brennus. Dan Carter was pivotal, contributing 15 points via five penalties, while tries from Brice Dulin and Marc Andreu, converted by Carter, sealed the victory; Toulon's points came from two tries by Duane Vermeulen and Maxime Mermoz, plus conversions and a penalty by Leigh Halfpenny.[97] The following season, Racing 92 reached the 2017-18 Top 14 semi-final against Castres Olympique but fell short in a 25-24 defeat at Matmut Stadium de Gerland in Lyon.[98] In European competition, Racing 92's most notable final came in the 2020 Heineken Champions Cup at Ashton Gate, where they lost 27-31 to Exeter Chiefs in a thrilling encounter delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Virimi Vakatawa and Henry Chavancy scored tries for Racing, with Teddy Iribaren adding conversions and penalties, but Exeter's late surge, including tries from Ollie Devoto and Sam Skinner, proved decisive; the match marked the retirement of Racing's iconic fly-half Dan Carter after 16 minutes due to injury.[10] Head-to-head records underscore Racing 92's rivalries, especially in the Paris derby against Stade Français. Across 30 matches since the 2000 merger era, Racing holds a 19-11 edge, with no draws, showcasing their dominance in this intra-city clash often marked by high intensity at Paris La Défense Arena.[99] The rivalry with RC Toulon remains closely balanced, with Racing leading 17-13 in 30 encounters, reflecting competitive battles fueled by star-studded lineups on both sides.[100] Earlier in the club's history as Racing Club de France, they reached the 1952 Challenge Yves du Manoir final as runners-up, a significant achievement in the competition they co-founded in 1931, though they fell to Section Paloise in the round-robin format that year.[101]Seasons and performance
Historical league standings
Racing 92, known as Racing Métro 92 until 2015, entered the professional Top 14 in the 2009–10 season following promotion from Pro D2. Prior to the professional era, the club's predecessor, Racing Club de France, achieved notable success in the amateur French Championship, securing titles in 1892, 1900, 1902, 1959, and 1990, though it spent much of the late 20th century in lower divisions after relegation in the 1960s. The following table summarizes Racing 92's final regular season positions in the Top 14 from the 2009–10 season through the 2024–25 season, including points totals where applicable. Positions reflect the end of the regular season before playoffs; the club has qualified for the postseason in 10 of these 16 campaigns.| Season | Final Position | Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009–10 | 10th | 58 | Promoted from Pro D2; no playoffs. |
| 2010–11 | 11th | 61 | Avoided relegation on tiebreaker. |
| 2011–12 | 5th | 74 | Playoff semi-finalist. |
| 2012–13 | 7th | 68 | No playoffs. |
| 2013–14 | 5th | 71 | Playoff quarter-finalist. |
| 2014–15 | 4th | 81 | Playoff semi-finalist. |
| 2015–16 | 3rd | 82 | Top 4 playoff; league champions. |
| 2016–17 | 4th | 79 | Playoff semi-finalist. |
| 2017–18 | 5th | 77 | Playoff quarter-finalist. |
| 2018–19 | 5th | 74 | Playoff quarter-finalist. |
| 2019–20 | 3rd | 49 | Season curtailed due to COVID-19; no playoffs. |
| 2020–21 | 3rd | 78 | Playoff semi-finalist (def. Brive 47–3 in quarter-finals; lost to La Rochelle 43–19 in semi-finals). |
| 2021–22 | 6th | 70 | Playoff quarter-finalist (lost to Bordeaux-Bègles 36–16). |
| 2022–23 | 5th | 66 | Playoff quarter-finalist (lost to Clermont 32–25). |
| 2023–24 | 6th | 62 | Playoff quarter-finalist (lost to Bordeaux-Bègles 31–17). |
| 2024–25 | 10th | 56 | No playoffs. |