Castres claimed a 29-13 victory over Montpellier in the Top 14 final at Stade Francais in Paris to become champions of France for a third time.

Castres put on an instrumental performance in the first half where they led 19-6.

Having finished sixth in the overall regular season standings, Castres have had to do it the hard way, notching up successive wins over Toulouse, Racing 92 and now Montpellier on their way to their third crown.

Planet Rugby reports, Montpellier, who finished top of the log, have been denied the first-ever title, having last and only appeared in a final in 2011.