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Grenoble are back in the Top 14. The French side defeated Oyonnax today to win promotion to the Top 14, making the move from the Pro D2.
Grenoble secured the 14th and final spot in the 2018-2019 Top 14 season by defeating Oyonnax. The 47-22 win means Oyonnax join Brive in being relegated to the Pro D2.
The match was the first of its kind. While in prior years the 13th and 14th placed sides at the end of the Top 14’s regular season have been relegated this season the 13th placed side faced the losing finalist from the Pro D2. Grenoble fell to Perpignan last weekend.
Both Grenoble and Perpignan will play in the 2018-2019 Top 14. They have both been home to players from the Americas over the years. Grenoble was once home to Canadian Jamie Cudmore. Pumas to have played for the club include Diego Albanese, José Orengo, Federico Todeschini, Joaquín Tuculet and Ezequiel Jurado.
Perpignan is the current home of former Pumas hooker Martín García Veiga. He joined as a medical joker in March. The club also has Canadian flanker Quentin James in their academy, son of former Canada and Perpignan star Mike James.
The Catalans are seven time French champions. They won their titles in 1914, 1921, 1925, 1938, 1944, 1955 and 2009. Involved in the most recent triumph was Rimas Álvarez Kairelis, a Puma from 1999-2009.
Today’s victory for Grenoble involved Argentine Olympian Axel Muller. The Mendoza flier scored a try in Oyonnax’ defeat.
Match highlights from Grenoble vs Oyonnax are in the following video.
