The La Rochelle Chiefs, the Paris Rams, the Bayonne Dolphins… Who's who between the NFL and Top 14 teams? Short guide.
Since the signing of Welsh star Louis Rees-Zammit with the Chiefs, the world of ovals is gradually opening up to another oval ball: that of the NFL. For those who are still new to this subject, DNA of Sports offers you a short guide to identify teams that are similar between our national Top 14 and the American league. Be careful, bad faith and second degree were required in the writing of this article!
French Stadium / Los Angeles Rams
Los Angeles, like Paris, is first and foremost a huge tourist destination. But on the pitch, we find other similarities: both teams are experiencing a recent gain in form after a period of glory in the 2000s. Both have another team with which they share their territory. And both are among the oldest teams in their championship.
Stade Toulousain / San Francisco 49ers
It's difficult to avoid the comparison between these two giants of their championships. The two teams have almost the best track record in their sport. Their players are superstars in the league. And the popularity around the club, but also in their city, is well established.
Union Bordeaux-Bègles / Las Vegas Raiders
The comparison may seem tenuous, but see: a world-famous city, although for different reasons. They recently changed stadiums. And they've always been part of the landscape without ever really gaining anything significant.
Racing 92 / Los Angeles Chargers
We mentioned above the proximity with another rival team for the Rams, Racing therefore fulfills the role of the Chargers. Especially since the new ultra-modern stadium fits in both cases. Another notable comparison: the much lower level of Racing/Chargers compared to the said rival Stade Français/Rams. Finally, Racingmen and Chargers share one last point in common: this ability to lose or win against any team, without really knowing how.
RC Toulon / New England Patriots
There is a certain air of the Patriots in this Toulon team. An owner far from unanimous, unchallenged domination for a long time then a loss of speed. Moreover, the loss of speed is each time linked to the departure of one of the greatest players in the history of his sport: Tom Brady on one side, Jonny Wilkinson on the other.
Stade Rochelais / Kansas City Chiefs
The colors could have oriented this guide towards the Steelers but it is the Chiefs who have the recent dynamic closest to Kansas City with very similar sporting performances and a track record. Another notable point in common: the two coaches Andy Reid and Ronan O'Gara, iconic figures in their sports, were both born in California!
Castres Olympique / Green Bay Packers
Castres and Green Bay ultimately have a lot in common (climate aside). Both clubs originate from a small town, primarily revolving around the local business that supports the club. If the results are a little dated in each case, the two teams still won at least one title in the 2010s.
Paloise / Arizona Cardinals section
Unexpectedly, these two teams are among the oldest created in the world. However, the recent results and good sporting performances are not really there. Moreover, both are not really very glamorous among the rest of the fans of their sport.
Rowing Bayonnais / Miami Dolphins
How can we not see the obvious between the two teams with the most popular anthems? Beyond the song, and the sunny climate of each city, these two teams are today surfing on a past that is certainly glorious but already a little distant.
ASM Clermont / Buffalo Bills
We could talk about the snow and the slightly crazy fans but it is above all the defeat in the final which sticks to the skin of these two teams. The Super Bowl and the Top 14 final are words that are only whispered in Clermont or Buffalo…
USA Perpignan / Dallas Cowboys
So no, Dallas and Perpignan have nothing in common in terms of city, size, climate, population (even if Texas and Catalonia could perhaps find themselves on certain grounds). On the other hand, the USAP and the Cowboys have this particularity that everyone talks about them all the time but the results never really follow.
Lyon OR / Washington Commanders
Two of the largest cities in the country, Lyon and Washington, have that going for them. On the other hand, the sporting culture for American football or rugby is not really their primary characteristic. If their supporters are convinced of being able to win every year, the reality is often cruel, it is rather the other sports which win in the city.
Montpellier HR / Philadelphia Eagles
It's been a long time since both teams won, they finally did it recently! Which did not really please the rest of the observers of their respective leagues as their supporters have a poor reputation among their peers. And both teams were coached by the greatest. Is Fabien Galthié the Andy Reid of rugby?
Oyonnax Rugby / Chicago Bears
Three things come to mind when we think of these two teams: the Bears, obviously, mascots in both cases. But also the climate, harsh, cold, windy and rainy. Finally, the sportsmanship is not great either for these two who stagnate almost every year at the bottom of the ranking.
