In a tense and high-scoring European Rugby Champions Cup match on Sunday, Toulouse edged out Exeter Chiefs 43-40 at their home ground despite being reduced to 14 men early in the game. The contest featured fluctuating momentum, with both teams crossing the try line multiple times in a match marked by physicality and moments of brilliance.
Toulouse, six-time champions of the competition, faced challenges due to several absentees but demonstrated their depth with quality replacements such as Anthony Jelonch and Peato Mauvaka coming off the bench. Exeter Chiefs began strongly, with Zack Wimbush securing a hat-trick of tries and the side continuously showing their ability to create space and attack quickly.
The match’s pivotal moment occurred in the first half when Toulouse’s loose-head prop Rodrigue Neti was sent off for a dangerous tackle on Exeter’s Ross Vintcent, reducing Toulouse to 14 players. Shortly after, Toulouse lost winger Teddy Thomas to a sin-bin for a period, but Exeter themselves faced discipline issues, with two players receiving yellow cards during the game. Despite this, Toulouse’s creative players, including Antoine Dupont and the Ntamack brothers—Romain and Theo—helped the home side produce several impressive tries, including scores by Ange Capuozzo and Josh Brennan.
Exeter’s efforts kept them in contention until the final minutes, when they were awarded a scrum penalty in the red zone. Trailing by three points, Exeter opted to take a chance at goal instead of kicking for the corner in an attempt to level the scores. Henry Slade, Exeter’s left-footed kicker, attempted a 40-meter penalty kick slightly to his left but missed, sailing wide of the posts. The miss was a decisive moment, dashing Exeter’s hopes of securing a draw in a hard-fought game.
Exeter director of rugby Rob Baxter acknowledged his team’s strong performance but expressed frustration at not gaining more from the match. He emphasized the significance of the game in the team’s development at the European level despite the narrow loss.
Meanwhile, English Premiership side Leicester Tigers also suffered defeat in France, losing 41-17 to Pau. Pau’s fullback Théo Attissogbe was instrumental in their dominant display, participating in four tries that helped secure a bonus point for the French club. Leicester managed ample possession but struggled to convert territorial advantage into points, marred by a lack of clinical finishing in attack. Portugal centre Rodrigo Marta scored twice, showcasing a formidable midfield pairing with Fabien Brau-Boirie, while winger Aaron Grandidier-Nkanang added to Pau’s try tally. Leicester's Ollie Chessum made his first try-scoring appearance of the season following injury, but the result added to a difficult weekend for English clubs in the European competitions.
The match officials were led by referee H. Davidson from Scotland. Toulouse’s victory underscores their resilience and squad depth, while Exeter’s narrow defeat highlighted their promise despite missed opportunities. Both English sides face ongoing challenges in adapting to the demands of European competition this season.