He knows the place. RC Vannes, who will discover the Top 14 next season, have confirmed the return of Pierre Popelin for three years. The 31-year-old fly-half wore the Breton colours from 2018 to 2021, before moving on to La Rochelle and then Castres.
A favourite back at la Rabine
Between 2018 and 2021, Popelin established himself as one of the senior figures in the Vannes squad, and one of the crowd’s favourites. Five years on, he is back at la Rabine. “I’m proud to be coming back to Brittany, and at the highest level to boot,” the player said. “I can’t wait to give everything for this club, to keep it in the Top 14 and to carry on writing its history.”
Experience for the promoted side
Having made his name at Vannes between 2018 and 2021, Popelin then joined Stade Rochelais (2021-2023) and then Castres (2023-2026). Last season, he played 17 Top 14 matches (11 starts) in the Tarn club’s jersey. At 31, according to our data, he already has 74 Top 14 matches and 66 in Pro D2 to his name. Enough to bring top-level know-how to a club whose first objective will be survival.
Pierre Popelin, his record in numbers since 2018
| Seasons | Club | Competition | Matches (starts) | Minutes | Tries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018-2021 | Vannes | Pro D2 | 66 (41) | 3,635 | 9 |
| 2021-2023 | La Rochelle | Top 14 | 28 (17) | 1,268 | 2 |
| 2023-2026 | Castres | Top 14 | 46 (35) | 2,852 | 5 |
| Total since 2018 | 140 | 7,755 | 16 |
Source: It’s Rugby data (Top 14 and Pro D2).
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