The stage is set for an anticipated rugby showdown in Toulouse as US Montauban gears up to face US Colomiers for the 28th round of Pro D2 on Friday, April 25, 2025, at 21:00. In a strategic move to foster a spirit of celebration around the sport, the match will be hosted at the famous Ernest-Wallon stadium, a venue typically reserved for Top 14 fixtures.
This significant announcement was made on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, amid a gathering of rugby officials at the Stade Toulousain. With the sun setting over the stadium, four influential figures of the rugby community took to the podium to share the exciting news. Each presided over one of the key professional rugby clubs in the Midi-Pyrénées region: Pierre-Yves Revol of Castres Olympique, Jean-Claude Maillard of US Montauban, Alain Carré of US Colomiers, and Didier Lacroix of Stade Toulousain.
"Deux grands matchs en deux jours," stated Jean-Claude Maillard, capturing the essence of the initiative. This event, the result of collaborative efforts and discussions over several weeks, aims to pair two thrilling matches over a weekend. The later match will see Stade Toulousain face their regional rivals, Castres Olympique, on Saturday, April 26, 2025.
The brainchild of Johan Dalla Riva, the general manager of US Montauban, the idea of hosting matches at a larger venue is not new in the rugby landscape. "We see many relocations in Top 14; it was done before for the derby between Dax and Mont-de-Marsan back in November 2024. So, why not take a similar approach here?" Dalla Riva explained, shedding light on the initial stages of a plan that grew from subtle discussions to a fully realized event.
While initially met with some skepticism by officials, enthusiasm rapidly built up as discussions progressed. Alain Carré, the president of US Colomiers, shared his initial reservations about the idea. "I must admit, I was puzzled at first. But seeing how both teams have come together on this has been phenomenal. This match could be crucial for determining playoff positions,” Carré remarked.
Bringing immense experience as a former player, Dalla Riva reassured stakeholders of the sporting merit of this venture. "It’s a fantastic opportunity to play in such a prestigious stadium, reminiscent of the glory years of clubs in Marseille. Our current season has solidified our resolve to provide Montauban and the Occitan rugby community with a thrilling match. If we can relish this experience, we shouldn't hold back!" he asserted passionately.
Reactions from the hosting club's president, Didier Lacroix, were equally enthusiastic. "We are thrilled to accommodate this event! We were leaning towards a Stadium relocation when USM reached out. This pairing allows us to ensure full houses for both matches, contributing to a vibrant rugby atmosphere in Toulouse,” Lacroix expressed, looking forward to welcoming fans to the stadium.
Moreover, concerns regarding logistics and travel for Montauban fans have been addressed, with Johan Dalla Riva emphasizing the club's commitment to making the journey as smooth as possible. "We are actively working to facilitate transportation for fans who might be worried about the drive. We want everyone to enjoy this unique rugby experience without any hindrance,” he reassured the supporters.
In an exciting move to draw fans to the match, ticket pricing has been set at a uniform rate of 18 euros for all seating areas to ensure accessibility and affordability. The goal is to fill the Ernest-Wallon stadium, which has a capacity of over 19,000, enhancing the energy of the event.
Reflecting on the occasion, Jean-Claude Maillard noted, "This is a valuable learning experience for everyone involved. We believe we deserve such a celebration of rugby this season." His sentiment was echoed by Dalla Riva, who concluded emphatically, "On mérite de s’offrir ce cadeau cette année!"
As excitement builds ahead of this unique weekend of rugby, both clubs and their respective fan bases are poised for a memorable experience on the pitch, signaling a renewed fervor for the sport in the region.
