The mystery is solved!
French champion, European champion, the red and black beast of all rugby teams, Stade Toulousain is unwittingly placed under the protection of Saint Thomas Aquinas!
The proof can be found in the Basilica of Saint-Sernin.
One of the chapels was dedicated to him when his relics were temporarily placed there.
We can still see the evidence on the ground with his initials, which strikingly resemble those of the Stade Toulousain logo.
Discover it on the ground in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit, in the crypt of the basilica.
Thomas Aquinas
Born near Naples in 1225, Thomas Aquinas was educated at the monastery of Monte Cassino and then, despite his family's opposition, took the Dominican habit before studying theology at the University of Cologne. Returning to Italy, where he founded the University of Milan, he tirelessly wrote his major work, the Summa Theologica, attempting to reconcile Aristotle's philosophy with Christian doctrine.
It led to an intellectual revolution, scholastic philosophy, which reconciled reason and faith in the name of Truth.
Thomas Aquinas died of exhaustion on March 7, 1274, while traveling to the Council of Lyon.
Canonized half a century later, he was proclaimed a Doctor of the Church and then patron saint of Catholic schools and universities.
In Toulouse, on October 22, 1385, the Dominican Order of Preaching Friars made Saint Thomas Aquinas the patron saint of their church, the Jacobin Church.
This is where Saint Thomas Aquinas was buried. During the Revolution, his remains were placed in the Basilica of Saint-Sernin.
He returned to his place at the Jacobins on October 22, 1974.
Stade Toulousain, blessed by the Gods
As for Stade Toulousain, its logo is now world-renowned and recognized.
It was Lucien Cézéra, a manager, who came up with the idea in the 1950s.
It's surprising, then, that Toulouse players go to the "promised land" so often... When we also know that the club's nickname is "The Red Virgin" following a season without a defeat, that for several decades the club's management has been "anointing" the edges of the pitches at Lourdes with water, and that two of its most prestigious players, Jean-Claude Skréla and Jean-Pierre Rives, were the "Blond Angels," it must be acknowledged that Stade Toulousain is blessed by the Gods...
Especially since, after a short transition period, the Club returned to the highest level, breaking numerous records during the 2018-2019 season: unbeaten streak (14 matches without defeat), most points (42) and wins (9) obtained away from home, and the biggest comeback in a match (a 29-point deficit to Bordeaux), not to mention the best second half of the season (53 points), fewest defeats (3), best number of tries (102), and most points (98) during the first half. Top 14 qualifier.
And a new record: a 20th Brennus Shield...
And even the Toulouse GIGN toured the 20th Brennus, which is saying something...
But the adventure, the feat one might say, doesn't end there.
Since under the leadership of Ugo Mola, Toulouse, led by a sparkling generation including Dupont, N'Tamack, Cros, Ramos, Wilis, Mauvaka, Baile... among others, have won several Brennus Shields in a row, a total of 24, and several European Championship titles, 6 in total.
Current record, and record for tries..., best attack and best defense in 2025...
Now we're reaching new heights...
