Toulouse Secures Quarter-Final Spot with Decisive Victory Over Bristol in Champions Cup
On April 4, 2026, Toulouse defeated Bristol Bears 59-26 in a Champions Cup round of 16 match at Stade Ernest-Wallon in Toulouse, France, before an attendance of 33,150. The home side scored nine tries, with notable performances from Kalvin Gourgues, Matthis Lebel, and Teddy Thomas, each scoring twice, while Thomas Ramos contributed with accurate kicking. Bristol took an early lead through a try by captain Fitz Harding but struggled defensively, trailing 40-7 at halftime. Despite late consolation tries from Kalaveti Ravouvou, James Williams, and Noah Heward, Bristol could not recover, marking their seventh consecutive loss. Toulouse advances to the quarter-finals, where they will face the winner of the Bordeaux versus Leicester match. Bristol's director of rugby, Pat Lam, acknowledged his team's effort but admitted they were outclassed. The match highlighted Toulouse's strong home record in European competitions and Bristol's ongoing challenges in away games in France.
Key facts
- Toulouse won 59-26 against Bristol Bears in the Champions Cup round of 16 on April 4, 2026.
- The match took place at Stade Ernest-Wallon in Toulouse, France, with 33,150 attendees.
- Toulouse scored nine tries, with Kalvin Gourgues, Matthis Lebel, and Teddy Thomas each scoring two.
- Bristol's Fitz Harding scored an early try, but the team trailed 40-7 at halftime.
- Bristol's Kalaveti Ravouvou, James Williams, and Noah Heward scored late consolation tries.
- Toulouse advances to the quarter-finals to play the winner of Bordeaux versus Leicester.
- Bristol has not won in France in the top-tier European competition since 2003.
- Pat Lam, Bristol's director of rugby, praised his team's fight but acknowledged they were not good enough.
Entities
Institutions
- Toulouse
- Bristol Bears
- Champions Cup
- Top 14
- Gallagher Premiership
Locations
- Toulouse, France
- Bristol, United Kingdom