**Heartbreak for Wales’ Sam Davies as Montauban Upset Grenoble in Pro D2 Promotion Decider**
Wales international fly-half Sam Davies experienced further heartbreak after his side, Grenoble, missed out on promotion to French rugby’s Top 14, falling to a spirited Montauban in the Pro D2 play-off final. The nail-biting encounter took place in Toulouse, where Montauban, considered underdogs heading into the contest, secured a gritty 24-19 victory and ended Grenoble’s hopes of automatic promotion for another season.
Davies, capped ten times for Wales, had been hoping to steer Grenoble to the Top 14 after two seasons of narrow misses in the play-offs. Grenoble had finished the Pro D2 season top of the table, tallying an impressive 98 points, a full 21 more than Montauban, who only finished sixth in the regular season table. Momentum, however, would prove to be on Montauban’s side as they managed to overturn the odds and script an unlikely victory.
The match itself saw drama right from the outset, with Davies suffering a worrying injury just six minutes into the final. The Welshman was forced to leave the field, using his jersey as an improvised sling, casting initial doubt over Grenoble’s morale and tactical stability. However, in a testament to his resilience and determination, Davies returned to play just ten minutes later, with his side leading 3-0 at that stage.
He swiftly made his presence felt, adding to Grenoble’s score from the tee with a well-taken penalty, and keeping his side within touching distance as the contest intensified. Nevertheless, it was Montauban who captured the momentum in the early stages of the second half, surging to establish a 21-6 advantage as their support erupted in the stadium.
Grenoble weren’t finished yet. Davies’ reliable boot and a crucial try from Wilfried Hulleu pulled the Pro D2 leaders back into the contest, shrinking the deficit to just two points. With thirteen pivotal minutes left on the clock, Davies had an opportunity to nudge his side ahead, taking on a challenging penalty from out wide. In a moment that encapsulated Grenoble’s luck in these decisive matches, the kick drifted narrowly wide, squandering a chance to overhaul Montauban’s slender lead.
As tension mounted, Montauban’s Thomas Fortunel responded with a long-range penalty of his own, re-establishing their buffer and sparking further jubilation among the travelling supporters. Grenoble launched a desperate search for a late match-winning score, but Montauban’s defence held firm in the closing moments.
The final whistle triggered wild scenes, with Montauban fans celebrating a famous victory and guaranteed place in the Top 14 next season. For Davies and his teammates, it marked a third consecutive year of disappointment at this stage, despite dominating the league during the regular season.
It’s not the end of the promotion dream for Grenoble, however. They will have one last opportunity through the Top 14 access match, where they’ll meet the team finishing second-from-bottom in the Top 14 standings. The winner of that match will join France’s rugby elite next season, keeping Davies’ aspirations of a return to the top flight alive.
Davies, who committed his future to Grenoble earlier in the season with a three-year contract extension, had been at the heart of Grenoble’s campaign. His leadership and kicking have been instrumental, making this latest setback all the more difficult to absorb—not just for himself, but also for a Grenoble side desperate to reclaim their place among the French rugby elite.
For neutral observers, the story once again highlights the unpredictability and drama that characterises France’s Pro D2 and its play-off system, where momentum and spirit can often eclipse season-long excellence. Montauban’s triumph will be remembered as one of the competition’s great upsets, while Grenoble and Davies must regroup for one last chance at promotion.