European Cup record

Toulon remain the only side to have won three consecutive European Cups, tasting success in 2013, 2014 and 2015.

Last season

Toulon managed an almost flawless campaign in the Challenge Cup, topping Pool 2 with 28 points before disposing of Scarlets in the quarter-finals (11-6) and Leicester Tigers in the semi-finals (34-19). However, they were beaten in the final at Aix-en-Provence by Bristol Bears (32-19).

Director of rugby

Patrice Collazo cut his teeth as a coach with Racing 92 before joining La Rochelle as forwards coach, helping them win the TOP 14 in 2014. He was rewarded with a promotion to director of rugby and held that post until his departure in 2018. Toulon seized the opportunity to bring in the 46-year-old, who led them to the Challenge Cup final last season.

Key players

Toulon can count on the likes of South Africa lock Eben Etzebeth, Italian No. 8 Sergio Parisse, France captain and flanker Charles Ollivon, and former All Blacks centre Ma'a Nonu. They also have a host of young talent, including fly-half Louis Carbonel, wing Gabin Villière and full-back Gervais Cordin.

Pool fixtures

Toulon will face English club Sale Sharks and Welsh region Scarlets in Pool A. Scarlets faced Toulon three times in the Challenge Cup last season, with the French outfit coming out on top in all three. However, Scarlets have better memories against Toulon in the Heineken Champions Cup, having won an epic clash against them (30-27) at a sold-out Parc y Scarlets to take top spot in Pool 5 in 2018.

Last season’s Challenge Cup finalists RC Toulon return to the Heineken Champions Cup this season and will be seeking a fourth title in Europe’s elite club competition.