Vincent Clerc is, while small of stature, a dangerous finisher when given the ball, and has proven this on several occasions in the last few years, most notably in the 2008 RBS 6 Nations Championship. Born in the city of Échirolles, Clerc first played rugby at FC Grenoble, helping them reach the Top 16 before moving to Toulouse in 2002, where he has been playing ever since. He earned his first cap for France on November 9, 2002 against South Africa, and was selected as a member of the 2007 Rugby World Cup squad. He scored 5 tries during the first two games of the 2008 Six Nations Championship against Scotland and Ireland.

Clerc ruputured the ligaments in his left knee while playing for Stade Toulousain against ASM Clermont Auvergne in April 2008. He made his club comeback in December of 2008, against Mont-de-Marsan, and was recalled to the national squad for the summer 2009 tests. He has become increasingly involved with the Toulouse based charity Maison des Parents, which works alongside parents and their children, who suffer from illnesses and are being treated in Toulouse.