Carla Rachail reaches Miss France after Stade Toulousain

Carla Rachail has moved from Stade Toulousain’s rugby set-up to the national Miss France contest after winning the Miss Midi-Pyrénées 2026 title. The 23-year-old, who was born in Agen, had previously been crowned Miss Toulouse in April. Her regional victory gives her a place in the French final scheduled for 12 December.

Rachail previously played as a flanker, or third-row forward, for Stade Toulousain and won the French title with the club’s elite reserve team in 2022. Two anterior cruciate ligament injuries during recent seasons led to extended rehabilitation periods, during which she reassessed her ambitions and entered the pageant circuit.

Her sporting background remains part of her preparation. Rugby provided the discipline and persistence she now applies to public appearances, while she has taken lessons to adapt from wearing boots on the pitch to walking in heels. She has also worked with the regional committee on speaking confidently and preparing for the competition’s questions, which cover the region, France, general knowledge, mathematics and dictation.

Rachail has described the two environments as entirely different, but her experience at Stade Toulousain has given her a competitive framework for the next stage. She will now represent Midi-Pyrénées as she seeks the Miss France crown.