The Mayol stadium is just waiting for that. After two seasons of absence, the Rugby Club Toulonnais returns to the Champions Cup, this Saturday (2 p.m.), when they host Exeter Chiefs on the first day of Pool C. Victorious in the Challenge Cup last year against to the Glasgow Warriors, erasing the setback in the final against the LOU in 2022, the Rouge et Noir did not waste the second European competition. Quite the contrary. But the scent of the Champions Cup smells even better and the RCT knows it better than anyone, who is not about to forget its historic treble achieved between 2013 and 2015.
A lot of water has flowed under the bridge and a global pandemic has dissipated somewhat since Toulonnais’ last appearance in the competition. Forgotten the round of 16 lost by forfeit (28-0) in April 2021 against Leinster, due to cases of Covid-19 within its squad, the Var club returns to the forefront, with the confidence it has gained the last two years at the lower level. “It’s a great pleasure to be back in the Champions Cup. Last year’s group, which is almost the same this year, has given itself the right to play in this historically important competition for the club, rejoiced manager Pierre Mignoni at a press conference. It is a very good thing. In terms of confidence, the ability to make things possible, winning a final, this Challenge Cup title was very important and beneficial for the future.
The rest corresponds to this start of the 2023-2024 financial year, more than successful in the Top 14. One point behind the leader, Racing 92, Toulon, 2nd, is the team in form of the moment with four consecutive victories. The latest one last Saturday, against the Section Paloise (36-13), gave an overview of the great offensive potential of the team (five tries), which is not yet running at full speed despite the immediate contribution of the first XXL summer recruits.
The French Enzo Hervé, Selevasio Tolofua and Enzo Abadie were quick to fit into the mold, as did the Fijian joker Setariki Tuicuvu and the Englishman David Ribbans, who arrived from the Northampton Saints whom he will meet again next weekend (15 December) during the 2nd day. “It was an incredible first month. I got to know everyone: the fans, the staff and my teammates. Now, it’s exciting to start this new competition,” confided the XV de la Rose international (10 caps), now accompanied by his compatriot Jack Singleton, landed as a medical joker in the hooker position. These newcomers, already performing well, delight coach Mignoni, who can now count on a formidable bench depth, essential to exist on both counts.
While the Scotsman Ben White alternates in the scrum with Baptiste Serin, the two “star” recruits at the back, Melvyn Jaminet and Leicester Fainga’anuku, have not even set foot on the Mayol pitch yet. This is good news, the lively Toulon public will discover them this weekend against Exeter Chiefs, the former Toulouse player being announced as the starter. “There will be a lot of emotions. This will officially be my first at Mayol, Jaminet delighted in front of the press on Thursday, he, the native of Hyères who discovered rugby at the RCT until he was 16. The only time I set foot on this stadium I must have been 12-13 years old, apart from the friendly match last season. Very excited to experience this atmosphere, I can’t wait!”
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The reception of the red and black supporters for the Tricolore, “ready” to start and “to hang on” according to its manager, risks being at the height of the general euphoria winning Toulon since the return of the World Cup. Five victories in six Top 14 matches, a lively attack (27 points scored on average) and an impregnable fortress at home, all the lights seem green when it comes to facing Europe. The icing on the cake, captain Charles Ollivon, extended last Saturday until 2027, is making his comeback in the group and will start as a starter. Unlike the highly anticipated Fainga’anuku, the All Black winger, author of five World Cup tries, who completes the Toulouse armada as a finisher.
With its experience, its wealth of squad and its game in progress, the RCT can believe in a great epic for its reunion with the Champions Cup. Provided you negotiate the group stage well, which provides two tempting receptions (Exeter Chiefs then Munster) and two perilous trips (Northampton Saints then Glasgow Warriors). Start of adventure this Saturday in the madness of Mayol, which is just waiting to relive the thrills.
