Challenge Cup record

While Toulon have an excellent record in the European Cup, having been the first side to win the trophy three years in a row (2013-15), they have yet to win the Challenge Cup, having fallen at the final hurdle three times – in 2010, 2012 and 2020.

Last season

Toulon bowed out in the last 16 of the Heineken Champions Cup after their tie with Leinster Rugby was cancelled. They had qualified by beating Sale Sharks 26-14 at home.

Head coach

Patrice Collazo has been head coach at Toulon since 2018, moving to the Stade Felix-Mayol from a similar role at Stade Rochelais. The 47-year-old enjoyed a distinguished playing career for Stade Toulousain and Gloucester Rugby at prop, winning the Challenge Cup with the English club in 2006.

Key players

Toulon’s squad is sprinkled with stardust, none more so than by elusive South Africa wing Cheslin Kolbe, who joined from Heineken Champions Cup holders Stade Toulousain in the summer and so is reunited with fellow Springbok Eben Etzebeth, the giant lock. Fiji lock Leone Nakarawa and Italy back-row legend Sergio Parisse are other big names in the pack.

Pool fixtures

Toulon have been drawn in Pool A and will face Zebre Rugby Club at home, Worcester Warriors away, Newcastle Falcons at home and Biarritz Olympique away in that order.

Today we begin our overview of this season’s European Rugby Challenge Cup with a look at RC Toulon, who return to the competition after one season in the Heineken Champions Cup.