Gloucester Rugby were eliminated from the 2025/26 Investec Champions Cup following a 31-14 defeat to Toulon at Kingsholm on Saturday night. With this loss, Gloucester missed out not only on progressing in the Champions Cup but also the chance to secure a runner-up spot that would have qualified them for the Challenge Cup.
The French visitors dominated early, with wings Gael Drean and Mathis Ferte crossing for quick tries, setting the tone of the match. Toulon forward Lewis Ludlam also scored in the first half, helping the French side secure a commanding 21-7 lead at halftime. Toulon’s full-back Marius Domon proved reliable with his goal-kicking, contributing four conversions and a penalty to maintain his side’s advantage.
Despite Gloucester’s late tries by Jack Clement and captain Tomos Williams—both converted by George Barton—the home side struggled to gain momentum. Toulon’s tactical control and physical dominance left Gloucester on the back foot, with few meaningful chances to turn the scoreline around. Drean sealed the victory with a bonus-point try in the final moments.
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The defeat means Gloucester have now lost 11 of their 13 games across the Gallagher Premiership and Champions Cup this season. They finished behind Edinburgh, Toulon, Bath, and Castres in Pool Two. With no European consolation prize this year, Gloucester will focus on salvaging their troubled Premiership campaign.
Both teams entered the game knowing a win would secure progression to the knockout stages. But Toulon’s blistering start left Gloucester reeling, as their defense was repeatedly breached. Gloucester’s first try came from a well-worked lineout move finished by Clement, offering a brief glimmer of hope.
Toulon responded swiftly when Ludlam powered over from a driven lineout. In the second half, Toulon’s relentless pressure increased, extending their lead with a penalty from Domon. Even Gloucester’s determined efforts, including a late try from Williams, weren’t enough to close the gap.
As Toulon advances, Gloucester must regroup and seek improvement amid a difficult season that currently sees them precariously placed in the Gallagher Premiership standings.
Gloucester Rugby: George Barton, Josh Hathaway, Will Butler, Seb Atkinson, Jack Cotgreave, Charlie Atkinson, Tomos Williams (c), Dian Bleuler, Will Crane, Nepo Laulala, Danny Eite, Matias Alemanno, Will Trenholm, Lewis Ludlow, Jack Clement
Replacements: George Knowles, Val Rapava Ruskin, Ciaran Knight, Deian Gwynne, James Venter, Mike Austin, Ross Byrne, Jake Morris
RC Toulon: Marius Domon, Gaël Drean, Nacho Brex, Oliver Cowie, Mathis Ferte, Tomas Albornoz, Ben White, Jean-Baptiste Gros, Teddy Baubigny, Kyle Sinckler, David Ribbans (c), Brian Alainu’uese, Lewis Ludlam, Charles Ollivon (c), Zach Mercer
Replacements: Jeremy Toevalu, Leo Ametlla, Dany Priso, Giorgi Javakhia, Esteban Abadie, Baptiste Serin, Matéo Garcia, Jérémy Sinzelle
Referee: Eoghan Cross (Ireland)
Assistant referees: Andrew Cole (Ireland), Keane Davison (Ireland)
TMO: Leo Colgan (Ireland)