The England international applauded Bristol’s defensive work-rate and highlighted their commitment to the game plan set out by director of rugby Pat Lam after they triumphed 32-19 in Aix-en-Provence.

“It’s unbelievable,” Earl told the BT Sport. “One of the first trophies that this club has won in I don’t know how long and we spoke about the importance of the community before the game – and how good were we out there?

"So calm, so controlled, even when we were behind, and we trusted the system. I’m just so proud of the boys. I think [the defensive effort] just shows the character of the team.”

Earl admitted that there was huge disappointment in the Bears’ camp following their Gallagher Premiership play-off loss to Wasps, but hailed his side’s mentality to bounce back and win at the Stade Maurice-David last Friday.

“We’ve had a tough journey together since lockdown,” he commented. “We’ve had some big highs and some huge lows, like last weekend [against Wasps].

“No lying, the mood in the camp come Monday after the Wasps result was very low. It took a lot to bounce back and I’m just so happy for the club, for the community and for the boys.

“There was a just a knowledge and confidence in each other that we were going to get the job done. Toulon are a class outfit, but there was just a feeling in that group and you could tell it from the beginning of the day. We built things up emotionally all week and we’re all so happy.”

Earl also heaped praise on Lam for the culture he has instilled at the club, as well as his management of the team.

“I can’t speak highly enough of him,” he said. “He’s challenged the boys coming in and already here to keep getting better.

“The system and culture he’s put in place at the club – you won’t experience it until you come in and see how close the boys are to each other. I can safely say it’s one of the best environments I’ve been involved in.”

Bristol Bears back-row forward Ben Earl commended his team’s "character" after a devastating second-half performance against RC Toulon earned them a first European Rugby Challenge Cup title last week.