Provence

Provence Rugby (Occitan: Provença Rugbi) is a French rugby union club currently playing in Pro D2, the second tier of France's league system. They were promoted back to the second level for the 2018–19 season after two seasons in Fédérale 1.

Based in Aix-en-Provence in the Bouches-du-Rhône just north of Marseille, the club was founded in 1970. They currently play at Stade Maurice David and wear black. The club was known as Aix Rugby Club from 1970 to 2001, and Pays d'Aix Rugby Club (PARC) from 2001 to 2015.

At the end of 2004/5 they were promoted to Pro D2 but were relegated back to Fédérale 1 at the end of the season. They returned to Pro D2 as runners-up to Lannemezan in 2009. In the 2009–10 season, they finished next-to-last on the league table, in a relegation spot. However, they were reprieved when Top 14 club Montauban filed for bankruptcy and were relegated directly to Fédérale 1. They did, however, suffdler relegation after the 2012-13 season, not returning until 2015–16.

By that time, they had changed their name to the current Provence Rugby, officially announcing the name change on 22 June 2015.

Provence finished last in the 2015–16 Pro D2 season. Initially, they were spared relegation when four clubs were relegated to Fédérale 1 due to financial mismanagement, but three of these eventually won appeals and remained in Pro D2, consigning Provence to the drop.

In the 2023-24 Pro D2 season Provence Rugby finished the regular season in first place. This was the first time in the clubs history that they made the finals of the Pro D2.

Provence is a professional rugby union team based in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France. The team competes in the Top 14, the highest level of professional rugby in France.

Known for their strong and physical style of play, Provence has a rich history and a loyal fan base. The team's colors are blue and white, and their emblem features a stylized depiction of the region's iconic lavender fields.

Provence boasts a talented roster of players from around the world, with a mix of experienced veterans and up-and-coming stars. The team is known for their passionate and dedicated approach to the game, and they consistently strive for success on the field.

Off the field, Provence is actively involved in the local community, hosting youth rugby clinics and participating in charitable initiatives. The team's commitment to both excellence on the field and community engagement has endeared them to fans both in France and beyond.