Gloucester Rugby’s pursuit of European success in the 2025/26 Investec Champions Cup came to a crushing end on Friday night as they were defeated 31-14 by Toulon at Kingsholm. The loss not only eliminated Gloucester from the Champions Cup but also denied them a potential consolation spot in the Challenge Cup.
The French visitors took control early with swift tries from wings Gael Drean and Mathis Ferte, immediately putting Gloucester on the back foot. Toulon’s dominance continued as flanker Lewis Ludlam added another try during a commanding first half. Toulon secured a bonus-point victory late on with an 80th-minute try from Drean, sealing their place in the knockout stages with a home tie next round.
Despite spirited efforts from Gloucester’s Jack Clement and captain Tomos Williams, both converted by George Barton, the hosts struggled to mount a significant comeback. Toulon’s full-back Marius Domon was a key figure, kicking four conversions and a penalty to keep the scoreboard heavily in Toulon’s favor throughout the match.
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Gloucester’s defeat meant that Edinburgh progressed from Pool Two alongside Toulon, Bath, and Castres. The result compounds a difficult campaign for Gloucester, who have now lost 11 of their 13 Gallagher Premiership and Champions Cup matches this season. Even a berth in the Challenge Cup slipped away as the team failed to capitalize in the European competition.
Both teams entered the match knowing a win would guarantee their spot in the knockout phase. However, Gloucester were rattled by Toulon’s fast start, conceding two converted tries inside the opening 13 minutes. The visitors controlled possession and territory, limiting Gloucester’s attacking opportunities and frustrating their defence.
Gloucester finally struck back midway through the first half when Jack Clement powered through three tackles to score from a short-range lineout, with Barton adding the conversion. But Toulon answered instantly with Lewis Ludlam finishing a well-executed driving lineout move, extending their lead to 21-7 by halftime.
The second half saw Toulon maintain pressure with Domon nudging the lead further through a penalty after 58 minutes. Gloucester’s captain Tomos Williams fought valiantly to keep his side in contention, scoring a late try, but it wasn’t enough to close the gap.
As the season continues, Gloucester must regroup and focus on salvaging their Premiership campaign, where they sit just four points above bottom club Newcastle Falcons. Meanwhile, Toulon advance confidently in the Champions Cup as they look to build on this impressive performance.
Gloucester Rugby (starting XV): 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
Toulon (starting XV): 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
Officials: Referee - Eoghan Cross (Ireland), Assistant Referees - Andrew Cole (Ireland), Keane Davison (Ireland), TMO - Leo Colgan (Ireland)