The French Rugby Federation has published how the 48 clubs of Fédérale 1 will be split for the 2026-27 season, in four pools of twelve. As every year, the FFR has favoured geographical proximity to limit travel and multiply derbies, in a season that looks like the final stretch before the announced reform of the federal leagues.

Pool 1: from the north-west to the Alps

Pool 1 brings together several historic strongholds, with Saint-Malo, Tours, Courbevoie, Paris Université Club, Annecy and Auxerre. It is the most geographically stretched pool, running from the north-west all the way to the Alps.

Pool 2: a Mediterranean flavour

Pool 2 heads south-east, with a strong Mediterranean feel: Monaco, Bédarrides-Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Céret, Agde, Palavas, Mazamet, Châteaurenard… and Leucate, the promoted Fédérale 2 champions, who will discover the level above in a pool that promises some big southern French derbies.

Pool 3: the ambitious clubs of the south-west

Pool 3 gathers several ambitious south-western clubs: Blagnac, Saint-Girons, Grenade, Gaillac, Limoges, L’Isle-Jourdain and Tulle, with Sarlat and Saint-Sulpice also involved. Several sides should quickly show their hand in the race for the play-offs.

Pool 4: the Grand Sud-Ouest at full tilt

Pool 4, finally, brings together sides from the Basque Country, Béarn, Bigorre, the Landes and Nouvelle-Aquitaine. Fixtures between Anglet, Lannemezan, Lourdes, Bagnères, Pont-Long, Soustons, Layrac and Barbezieux-Jonzac promise a lively season.