Aiming for a bigger buzz and greater heights with the Section Paloise

The Section Paloise is starting the 2025-2026 season with a clear ambition - to achieve a new sporting milestone. After qualifying in the Top 8 of the Top 14 league and return to the Champions Cup that they had been waiting for for over twenty years, the club is building on a decade of structuring and solid groundwork.

"Coach Sébastien Piqueronies explained that the team is now mature, And I feel that it’s also the case for the club. A lot of work has been done in terms of governance, management, marketing, communication and so on, and that’s what makes a club hold fast in the long run. It has taken shape and grown to become a true institution," points out Pascal Breton, Head of Rugby Partnerships at the Communication - Brand & Advertising Division at TotalEnergies. This foundation now helps us envisage a season where the ambition is not just results, but part of an overall project buoyed up by training, experience and the enthusiasm of our fan base.
 

Targeted, strategic recruitment

To reinforce its squad list, the Section Paloise has banked on experienced, complementary profiles. The arrival of Julián Montoya, hooker and Captain of the Argentine Pumas, brings a good dose of leadership and international experience. Facundo Isa, number 8 from RC Toulon, has given strength and weight to the pack with his power and versatility. Thomas Laclayat, right prop, who played for Oyonnax and Racing 92, completes the trio of new recruits with a combative profile. In addition to the three new arrivals, key players have seen their contracts extended - such as Beka Gorgadze, Joe Simmonds, Dan Robson and Jack Maddocks - and guarantee the continuity and cohesion of the squad.
 

A sports project anchored in training

Apart from the results, it’s the clear definition of the project that is appealing. The Section banks on both young talents from the region and experienced players. Training plays an essential role in this strategy, and several young people have been integrated into the professional group. Pascal Breton enthusiastically highlights the direction things are taking: "A big step has been made with the top 8 ranking. We all want to aim higher, reach for the stars, but we mustn’t run before we can walk. The project is clear, and it is based on the alchemy between training and experience. As sponsor of training at the Section, we share that DNA. It’s also thanks to the strong ties forged with the training clubs, real talent pools, that the Section can embody that regional rugby that we’re all so enthusiastic about at TotalEnergies."
 

A loyal and enthusiastic public

The strength of the club also lies in its fan base. The crowds fill the Hameau Stadium with increasing enthusiasm at each fixture, encouraging and urging on their team, even at the most challenging times. Pascal Breton explains: "The club is also growing thanks to its fans who are there for the good times and the bad. The crowds come to the stadium for the buzz and to experience strong emotions." He also gives a nod to the supporters who follow the team outside the region: “Hats off in particular to those who travel to away fixtures - even in Vannes the fans set the stadium on fire! I hope they’ll continue to create atmosphere in the stadiums when our players are on the field!"
 

The Lionsoises, ready to bounce back

The season is also looking good for the women’s team. Their commitment and determination to move forward reflect the positive attitude in the squad. Pascal Breton ends with a statement full of confidence: "I’d like to end by shining the spotlight on the Lionsoises. The women’s team were relegated to Elite 2, but they have decided - with all the staff and volunteers - to find what it takes to restructure the squad to bounce back and aim for a sustainable promotion in the Elite league. Between the young players, both girls and boys, I have no doubt at all that we’re going to have a wonderful new season."