Balloons ASM Clermont Auvergne in the club colours

From 1911 to the Brennus of 2010, a long journey

The ASM Clermont Auvergne was founded in 1911 at the initiative of Marcel Michelin, linked to the tyre company. The club long held an unenviable record: ten championship finals lost between 1936 and 2009, before winning the Bouclier de Brennus on 29 May 2010 against Perpignan. A second title followed in 2017, against Toulon. On the European stage, the Auvergnats have won the Challenge European, notably in 2007 and 2019, and played in three European Cup finals, in 2013, 2015, and 2017.

Other club balls

Club balls are also available:

• Toulouse Stadium Balls.
• Stade Français Balls.
• Racing 92 Balls.
• Castres Olympique Balls.
• FC Grenoble Rugby Balls.

All club balls are gathered on the club balls page.

Marcel-Michelin, the Yellow Army and the yellow and blue

The club plays at the Marcel-Michelin stadium in Montferrand, a venue where the Jaunards have remained unbeaten for seventy-seven matches in a row over five seasons, under the guidance of New Zealand coach Vern Cotter. The supporters, known as the Yellow Army, are famous for their massive turnout during finals, painting entire stands yellow. The yellow and blue of the ball reflects the club's historical identity, which the Yellow Army displays in the Clermont stands on big match nights.

Which yellow and blue ball format to choose

The ASM ball, made by Gilbert, is a supporter model: a synthetic cover printed in the club's colours, designed for friendly passes rather than competition. For playing, a size five is recommended from about fifteen years old, and a size four for a young player aged ten to fourteen, for example, enrolled in a local rugby school. For decoration, a slightly inflated ball retains its shape better over time. After a game on wet grass, a quick wipe with a cloth and air drying will preserve the yellow prints, which are more susceptible to dirt.

Good deals

Good deals can be found in the good deals, promotions, clearance, sales, and Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, and items shipped in 24 hours are prepared and sent out within 24 hours. The highlights of the year follow a stable sequence: the Black Friday in late autumn, the end-of-year festivities, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, followed by the summer sales and the new school year.

Frequently asked questions

Why are the people of Clermont called the Jaunards?

The nickname comes from the dominant colour of the jersey, yellow, associated with blue since the club's origins. They are also referred to as the Montferrandais, in reference to the Montferrand neighbourhood where the Marcel-Michelin stadium is located.

What does the acronym ASM stand for?

ASM stands for Association sportive montferrandaise. Montferrand, once a rival city of Clermont, was merged with it in 1630 by the edict of Troyes, and the club later added Clermont Auvergne to its name to represent the entire region.

Is the ASM ball suitable for rugby school?

For passes at home, yes, as long as you choose the right size for the child. In clubs, coaches usually use training balls with a thicker cover, more resistant to repeated sessions on synthetic ground or grass.

How to get a ball signed by the Clermont players?

You can take advantage of a signing session or an open training session, with a black permanent marker. On this ball, the yellow areas offer the best contrast: the ink stays readable and dries quickly if the surface is clean.

Does a yellow and blue ball fade in the sun?

Yes, ultraviolet rays dull the inks, and yellow fades faster than blue. An exposed ball should ideally be kept in the shade, away from a south-facing window, and dusted with a dry cloth rather than a damp one.