Toulon head coach Bernard Laporte was delighted to see his side continue their recent domination on the European stage by overcoming Clermont Auvergne with a 24-18 victory in the European Rugby Champions Cup this evening.
A sensational solo try from Australia winger Drew Mitchell clinched the win for the French champions, who have now lifted club rugby's showpiece trophy in each of the last three seasons.
Clermont, beaten finalists against the same opposition two years ago, led 11-3 at one stage in the Twickenham final, but Toulon bounced back to secure a hat-trick of titles.
"I feel a lot of joy," Laporte is quoted as saying by Planet Rugby. "To see my players so happy, they did their best and everything possible to win a final. It's never easy to play Clermont, a great side, they're constantly there or thereabouts.
"I have a lot of respect for that club and the players, especially Aurelien [Rougerie] and Julien [Bonnaire] with France. I'm sad for them, but that's sport. My players did everything they could and gave full happiness to a club and a city, so everybody's happy."
Clermont currently trail Toulon by four points in the Top14 standings.
Daniel Lewis
