Overview

• The Starligue opens with PSG still favored but in transition under new coach Stefan Madsen after a major squad refresh.
• Paris is already short-handed with Emil Mellegard out for the season and comes off a Trophée des Champions defeat to Montpellier.
• Nantes banks on stability and an added playmaker as Montpellier’s experienced recruits revive its title push.
• The Top 14 begins with Toulouse again favored despite Antoine Dupont’s absence until late November, while European champion UBB is the leading challenger but misses Maxime Lucu and Yoram Moefana.
• Stade Français thrashed promoted Montauban 47-24 in the season opener as the league introduces the carton orange and tightens salary-cap enforcement.