Pool placing

The French side dominated Pool 2, winning six out of six – and earning four bonus points – against Scarlets, Bayonne and London Irish - amassing 28 points. A narrow 17-16 win over Scarlets in Round 2 was the catalyst for earning the number 1 seed in the knockout stages for the three-time European Cup winners.

Lockdown news

Toulon have strengthened their squad by signing versatile former New Zealand back Isaia Toeava from ASM Clermont Auvergne, La Rochelle second row Thomas Jolmès, Rennes prop Jérémy Boyadjis and young English full-back Harrison Obatoyinbo from Championship side Ealing Trailfinders.

Quarter-final record

Their last quarter-final appearance was in 2011-12 when they dominated against Harlequins with Jonny Wilkinson notching 17 points as the French side advanced in a 38-7 victory. They faced this year’s last eight opponents Scarlets at the same stage in 2009-10, winning 38-12 with right wing Clement Marienval notching a brace of tries and fly-half Jonny Wilkinson kicking 13 points. Their only other appearance at the quarter-final stage was in the inaugural Challenge Cup in 1996-97 – losing 23-15 to Castres Olympique.

European history

Toulon have a proud history in European competition but have never been victorious when it comes to the Challenge Cup. The two-time finalists fell at the final hurdle on both occasions, the first a 28-21 defeat at the hands of Cardiff Blues in 2010, before suffering a similar fate in a 21-18 reverse against Biarritz two years later. However, they have had European success when it comes to the Heineken Champions Cup – winning three consecutive titles between 2013 and 15.

With the European Rugby Challenge Cup quarter-finals just around the corner, we have taken an in-depth look at all eight sides who will be competing for a spot in the final in October and today the focus is on RC Toulon.