Stade rally late to seal French title glory

LATE tries from veteran Argentinian scrum-half Augustin Pichot and Fijian substitute Radike Samo inspired Stade Francais to a 23-18 victory over Clermont in the French Top 14 championship final at the Stade de France on Saturday.

Clermont had led almost from start to finish but a late rally from the Parisians in the final 11 minutes proved enough to secure a fifth title in 10 years and condemn Clermont to an eighth defeat in eight finals.

Stade coach Fabien Galthie paid tribute to his side’s never-say-die attitude.