RC Chalon was founded in 1899[2] They were promoted to the first division at the end of the 1957–58 season.

[2] In 1970, historical president Louis Brailly resigned and the club were relegated to second division.

[2] Arguably one of the most glorious wins in the history of the club occurred on April 26, 1992 when they defeated defending champions Bègles-Bordeaux 19–18.

[2] Since the 2005–06 season, boosted by the arrival of former Brive player and Belgian international backrow Loïc Van Der Linden, Chalon have managed to reach the knockout stage of the Trophée Jean Prat every year: in 2006, there were eliminated in the quarter-finals by Blagnac (26–26, 14–27); in 2007, again in the quarters, this time by Bourg-en-Bresse (12–12, 12–29); in 2008 they came excruciatingly close to promotion, losing to Lannemezan by one point on aggregate in the semis (9–16, 15–9).

Moreover, it was revealed that Chalon were in deep financial trouble, with a debt of 600 000 to 850 000 euros.