Rugby
Toulouse emerge as top club in Champions Cup─── ILSE SMALBERGER 07:28 Sun, 26 May 2024
Toulouse emerged victorious in the Champions Cup final at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday thanks to three extra-time penalties kicked by Thomas Ramos.
Toulouse beat Leinster 31 – 22 after both teams ended 80 minutes on 15 points each.
Toulouse had two potential tries ruled out in either half in a match that was dominated by penalties. But extra time would be the decider in only the third time in Champions Cup final history. And like on each of the prior occasions, Toulouse lifted the trophy.
Toulouse had a stroke of luck when Leinster wing James Lowed was yellow-carded early in extra time, allowing wing Matthis Lebel to cross the line with a stunning try. Thomas Ramos then kicked them into a 10-point lead with another penalty.
The Champions Cup final can rightly be called the ultimate European rugby competition as was evident with the 14 French internationals and 20 Irish on the field. Toulouse’s win means they are now two titles clear of Leinster as the most successful club in European rugby.
French international Antoine Dupont was named Player of the Match.
OFM Sport/Ilse Smalberger
