There was ultimately no surprise in this 2026 edition of the Challenge de France. Great favorites given their domination since the start of the championship, the Comanches de Saint-Raphaël fully assumed their status. Even better: they soared through the qualifying stages before demonstrating solidity, control and cool-headedness at the decisive moment, in the semi-finals and then in the final.
The first lesson to be learned from this tournament is that the top three teams in the championship also finished in the top three places of the Challenge. Pessac confirmed its resilience and offensive power, boasting the best average attack of the tournament. But behind this expected podium, the hierarchy also provided some interesting signals. Nice, despite struggling in the championship, found the resources necessary to secure a fine fourth place. For Colombes and Grenoble, however, the competition was more complicated.
The championship, which is divided into two parts with a summer break related to the European Championships – where Évry and Saint-Raphaël will be engaged – could still have some surprises.
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We will come back in more detail in a future article to the main lessons of this Challenge de France. In the meantime, we must salute the well-deserved victory of the Comanches, who also validate their ticket for another European Cup in 2027. Congratulations also to all the teams for the level of play proposed in demanding conditions, under a scorching sun that required several cool-down breaks.
Finally, a big hat tip to the institutions, the volunteers of Valenciennes and the club of Vipères, whose commitment allowed this 2026 edition to take place in the best conditions.
