Bordeaux

History of Bordeaux Bègles

Union Bordeaux Bègles was formed when two local sides merged to create a team that was capable of representing the city of Bordeaux on the national stage. 

Although supporters of both Stade Bordelais and CA Bordeaux-Bègles Gironde opposed the merger, the plan went through with the support of local businesses and former players, with the new Bordeaux rugby team taking the place of Stade Bordelais in the Pro D2. 

However, due to conflicts between the two merging sides, the team was initially called Union Stade Bordelais-C.A.Bordeaux-Bègles Gironde. For ease, in 2008, the club's name was shortened to Union Bordeaux Bègles. That said, most rugby fans simply refer to the team as Bordeaux.

Although the team struggled for continuity in its early years, it did not take long before the side gained promotion from the Pro D2. At the close of the 2010-11 season, the Bordeaux rugby team finished fifth in the table and qualified for the play-offs. They then went on to beat Grenoble in the semi-finals and SC Albi in the final to secure promotion to the Top 14.

Since then, Bordeaux have appeared in every edition of the Top 14. Added to this, the Bordeaux rugby team is now widely considered to be one of the best in France. They reached the final of the Top 14 for the first time in 2024, but they were heavily beaten by Toulouse. 

Sadly, they faced the same fate in the 2025 final, although the final scoreline was much narrower. However, they did win that year’s edition of the European Rugby Champions Cup. They defeated Northampton Saints 28-20 in Cardiff to claim the club’s first major piece of silverware. They then reclaimed their title in 2026, when they defeated Leinster 41-19 in the final in Bilbao. 

Although Bordeaux are a young side, they're definitely a team on the up and they've made significant waves in French rugby since their arrival on the scene in 2006. Who knows what the future holds for this up-and-coming side.