Clermont are one of the surprise stories of this season’s Champions Cup, earning a place in the knockout stage after years of underperformance. Reaching this point is a significant achievement—especially for a club that’s been through financial struggles and a major rebuilding process.
We’ve taken a closer look at Clermont’s turbulent journey and the key moments that shaped their rise, fall, and potential revival.
Clermont’s Last Shot at European Redemption
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The visit to Northampton marks one of Clermont’s most important matches in years. Fans are hoping this could be the start of a long-awaited return to the top of European rugby.
Between 2013 and 2017, Clermont reached three Champions Cup finals and won two Top 14 titles. But recent seasons have been filled with decline and underachievement.
A 10th-place finish in the Top 14 left Clermont out of the Champions Cup, compounding their financial woes. Their European absence came with a heavy economic cost.
Departure of Star Players Deepens the Crisis
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Top talents like Damian Penaud and Arthur Iturria left the club, while former stars took legal action over concussion treatment, highlighting internal turmoil.
The Golden Generation Faded Away
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Since 2016, Clermont has lost key players from their glory era like Jamie Cudmore, Brock James, and Morgan Parra. Their replacements never reached the same level.
COVID-19 Pushes Club to the Brink
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The pandemic was devastating for Clermont. Empty stadiums and canceled games meant major financial losses, leaving the club teetering on the edge of collapse.
To survive, Clermont slashed salaries and rethought its financial model. A 16.2% wage cut was imposed on all contracts over €100,000 per year.
Michelin Steps In as Sole Owner
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In 2023, Michelin took full ownership of the club and injected €11 million. The goal was clear: stabilize the finances and rebuild the team’s future.
New Leadership, New Direction
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A new managing director, Benoît Vaz, launched a three-year plan to return the club to profitability by 2026. Long-term strategy became the priority.
‘Rugby City’ Symbolizes the Rebuild
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A €19 million state-of-the-art complex will open in 2026, bringing all teams and fans under one roof. It’s the centerpiece of Clermont’s recovery project.
Despite off-field improvements, Clermont’s league position is still fragile. Missing next season’s Champions Cup would seriously threaten their progress.
Looking to Northampton for Inspiration
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The Saints were in a similar slump just a few years ago. Now English champions, they offer a blueprint Clermont hopes to follow on their own road back.
