27 April 2013. As Philippe Gardent's Rouge et Bleu know, they have a date with history when they take on Cesson-Rennes. If they win, they can clinch the French league title with a clear lead over nearest challengers Montpellier. Having won all but one of their matches so far (a 24-26 defeat at Nantes), the capital club can now officially confirm their undisputed domination of the French game.
Although they have lost out in the battle for European places, the Bretons are determined to spoil the party. Playing at home, they do their utmost to hamper the visitors, and even manage to take the lead at half-time (30': 17-16). But, as the champions they are about to become, the Parisians regain control with authority. Mikkel Hansen, the summer's star recruit, scores ten goals to guide his team-mates to victory in a spectacular encounter against a worthy Cesson side (60': 27-32).
With a nine-point lead over Montpellier with four games to go, Paris are officially crowned champions for the first time in club history. A few weeks later, the capital club receive their trophy at the end of their Matchday 26 match clash with Tremblay (36-34) at Coubertin. A moment of celebration that also marks the end of the career of Didier Dinart, who hangs up the boots after clinching a well-deserved title.
13 years and 11 championships later, the Parisians are engaged in a fierce battle with Nantes to maintain their incredible run on the national stage - during which only Dunkerque, in 2014, have managed to pip the Parisians to the title. In 2026, the season could be decided in clash between the league's top two at the AccorArena on 27 May. The aim will be, of course, to maintain the legacy of that first title won in Brittany.