Amlin Semi Finals 2013 did not disappoint. First up a real scrap in France as Perpigan fell short against Stade Francais down in the Basque Country. Then a trashing for Biarritz in Ireland. Friday night and the European Cup weekend kicked off in the Stade Aime Giral in front of 12,000 plus fans. This one went against our prediction as Stade Francais Paris won 22-25. It was … [Read more...]
Toulouse into Semis – Toulouse 42-16 Stade Francais
Toulouse struggled to contain Stade in the first half, but then pounded them up front and mesmerised them out back to secure a Heineken Cup semi-final meeting with Leinster. Rodrigo Roncero's try put Stade in front, but on the stroke of half-time Yannick Jauzion went over to give the home side the lead 13-10. The teams traded penalties after the break but Patrice Albacete … [Read more...]
Top 14 France Salary Cap
French rugby has introduced a salary limit of £7.1m for the top level teams starting from season 2010/11. This figure is still way above the English Premiership cap which is set at some £4m The new cap means that it is unlikely that the exodus to France we saw this season with players such England's James Haskell and Rikki Flutey as well as fly-half Jonny Wilkinson's move to … [Read more...]