Toulouse full-back Thomas Ramos stole the show with 16 points, including a first half try, as the domestic and European champions put away a Toulon side missing Springboks wing Cheslin Kolbe, who has joined the club from Toulouse during the off-season.

Toulon had made a decent start from the boot of Louis Carbonel but an elbow from USA international Mike Sosene-Feagai on eight minutes saw the momentum swing towards the home side as he was shown a yellow card.

First Selevasio Tolofua crossed the whitewash before Ramos added his score and Zach Holmes pulled off a remarkable 90-metre intercept try to put the hosts ahead by 17 at the break.

And they didn’t let up in the second period as Alban Placines, Matthis Lebel and Peato Mauvaka all got on the scoreboard before Lopeti Timani crossed to grab a consolation try for the visitors.

Toulouse’s defence of their Heineken Champions Cup crown begins in just under three months, when they travel to face Cardiff Rugby on the weekend of 10/11/12 December in Pool B.

Heineken Champions Cup holders Stade Toulousain looked every inch the best team in Europe on Sunday evening as they dismantled RC Toulon in a 41-10 success at Stade Ernest Wallon in the TOP 14.