Toulouse triumphed 21-12 in Europe in a tight encounter as they went on to clinch a record fifth European title, and they needed an equally resilient performance at the Stade Ernest Wallon to claim their fourth straight win in this year’s TOP 14.

Clermont took the lead on six minutes through a Alivereti Raka try, but Romain Ntamack, who kicked all of Toulouse’s points in last season’s quarter-final win, went over for the hosts on 21 minutes.

Thomas Ramos’ conversion nudged Toulouse ahead before he slotted a penalty on 34 minutes, but Alexandre Fischer crossed for Clermont eight minutes later, with Camille Lopez adding the extras to send the visitors into half-time with a two-point advantage.

Toulouse regained the lead two minutes into the second half, however, as Anthony Jelonch went over for a try converted by Ramos.

A Lopez penalty on 52 minutes kept Clermont in touch, but Antoine Dupont, who was named EPCR European Player of the Year for his role in Toulouse’s Heineken Champions Cup triumph, dived over in the corner late on to seal the away side’s win.

In the Gallagher Premiership, London Irish battled back from 17 points down at half-time to draw 31-31 with Sale Sharks in a pulsating game at the Brentford Community Stadium.

Sale, who will face Clermont and Ospreys in the Heineken Champions Cup this season, scored four first half tries through AJ MacGinty, Marland Yarde, Sam James and Will Cliff.

Ben White and Agustin Creevy had crossed for London Irish’s first half points, before Tom Parton’s double after the break moved the hosts to within striking distance.

Curtis Rona went over on to level the scores 77 minutes, before Paddy Jackson’s penalty in the dying moments completed London Irish’s remarkable comeback.

Elsewhere, Michael Collins scored twice as Ospreys beat Dragons 27-23 at Rodney Parade in the United Rugby Championship.

Gareth Anscombe kicked 12 points for the Heineken Champions Cup Pool A club, while Luke Morgan also crossed for a try.

Sam Davies notched two conversions, two penalties and a drop goal for Challenge Cup side Dragons, whose two tries came through Josh Lewis and Rhodri Williams.

Stade Toulousain repeated last season’s Heineken Champions Cup quarter-final success as they overcame ASM Clermont Auvergne 27-15 in the TOP 14 on Sunday.