Castres

History of Castres Olympique

The formation of Castres Olympique can be traced back to a group of ex-students from Castres Municipal College, who met at a bar in 1898. Following the gathering, the students decided to make their own team so that they could continue playing their favourite sport: rugby union. 

For the first several years of existence, Castres Rugby Club was part of a multisport club. However, the members of Castres rugby section were unhappy that the cycling club received preferential treatment. As a result, in 1906, the rugby section decided to leave and form Castres Olympique.

From there, the popularity and success of the team skyrocketed. Only 15 years later, Castres reached the French first division, and they've stayed there almost permanently ever since.

During their time in the top flight of French rugby, the Castres Olympique rugby team have won the French championship on five occasions (most recently in 2018). Plus, the Castres rugby team also won the Coupe de France in 1948 and finished as runners-up in the 1993 Challenge Yves du Manoir.

Added to this, the Castres Olympique rugby team has also represented France in major European competitions over the years. In 2003, they won the European Shield. Plus, in both 1997 and 2000, the side finished as runners-up in the EPCR Challenge Cup.

As you may expect from a team with such a storied history, the Castres rugby squad has previously been home to several stars of the game, including the likes of Michael Cheika, Antoine Dupont and Anthony Jelonch. Meanwhile, the current Castres rugby squad contains a fantastic clutch of French players, including both Gaëtan Barlot and Mathieu Babillot.

Do you think Castres can capture the Top 14 title once again, or finally claim European glory in the EPCR Challenge Cup or the European Rugby Champions Cup? Follow the team’s fortunes with RugbyPass.