Bristol win European Challenge Cup

Bristol’s Max Malins races clear to score

Bristol Bears won their first European trophy when they deservedly beat Toulon 32-19 in the Challenge Cup final in Aix-en-Provence on Friday.

Harry Randall scored the fastest try in any European final after 15 seconds but three-times European champions Toulon led 16-10 at half-time after a Bryce Heem try and Louis Carbonel’s penalties.

Harry Randall got Bristol off to the perfect start with a try after just 15 seconds.

Three penalties for fly-half Callum Sheedy made it 19-19 before on-loan fullback Max Malins blasted through to send Bristol into a 26-19 lead.

The 1,000 fans allowed in Stade Maurice David did their best to rouse Toulon but Bristol, a championship side as recently as 2018, showed great defensive grit to keep them at bay and put the game beyond reach with two more penalties from Sheedy.

More to follow…