Montpellier had led 6-0 at Sandy Park, but the hosts responded with 42 unanswered points, including a second half hat-trick from lock Jonny Gray, as Exeter prevailed in Round 1 of this season’s Heineken Champions Cup.

Elsewhere in Pool A, Leinster Rugby ran in seven tries as they dispatched Bath Rugby 45-20 at the Aviva Stadium, with Jamison Gibson-Park crossing twice for the Irish province.

On Friday night, a hat-trick from flanker Wenceslas Lauret and 20 points from scrum-half Maxime Machenaud inspired Racing 92 to a 45-14 win over Northampton Saints at the cinch Stadium.

In Pool B, 2021 EPCR European Player of the Year Antoine Dupont was in scintillating form and the scrum-half scored a wonderful try as Heineken Champions Cup holders Stade Toulousain beat Cardiff Rugby 39-7 at Cardiff Arms Park.

Meanwhile, a late penalty from fly-half George Ford handed Leicester Tigers an opening Pool B 16-13 win over Union Bordeaux-Bègles at the Stade Chaban-Delmas.

At the Stade Pierre Fabre, Ford’s international teammate, Marcus Smith, recorded 10 points as Harlequins survived a late rally to beat Castres Olympique 20-10.

In South Wales, a strong first half performance from Sale Sharks ensured Alex Sanderson’s side left the Swansea.com Stadium with a 21-13 victory over Ospreys.

Stade Rochelais started their Heineken Champions Cup campaign with a 20-13 win over Glasgow Warriors, but fellow TOP 14 side Stade Français Paris were thrashed 36-9 by Connacht Rugby.

Irish sides Munster Rugby and Ulster Rugby both won their opening games after beating Wasps and ASM Clermont Auvergne respectively.

Round 2’s fixtures will see Montpellier host Leinster at the GGL Stadium, Stade Rochelais head to Bath and Glasgow Warriors welcome Exeter Chiefs to the Scotstoun Stadium.

Connacht will cross the Irish Sea to face Leicester, whereas Ulster taking on Northampton at the Kingspan Stadium.

Toulouse face Wasps, with Stade Français coming up against Bristol Bears and the Paris La Defense Arena will stage Racing vs Ospreys.

Exeter Chiefs, 2020 Heineken Champions Cup winners, started their 2021/22 campaign with a 42-6 win over Montpellier Hérault Rugby on Saturday as Rob Baxter’s side look to reclaim their European crown.