The next winner of the European Challenge, the continental rugby competition “little sister” of the Champions Cup, will necessarily be French.
Toulon validated their ticket for the final of the competition at the expense of the English Saracens, Saturday May 14 at the Stade Félix-Mayol. Franck Azéma’s men won 25-16, thanks to two tries from Gabin Villière and one from Jiuta Wainiqolo.
A few hours earlier, Lyon Olympique Universitaire (LOU) had defeated another English XV, that of Wasps, (20-18) at the Stade Gerland. Led at the end of the first period (3-8), the Lyonnais fell behind in the second half thanks to two tries. A penalty kept them two points clear after Wasps scored a try.
This will be the first continental final for LOU, while Toulon has three Champions Cups to its name (2013, 2014 and 2015). The meeting will take place on May 27, in Marseille.