Three-time European champions Toulon will be the next visitors to the Recreation Ground on Saturday 16th December (kick-off 17:30), as Bath Rugby look to maintain their unbeaten start to their European Rugby Champions Cup campaign.
Ahead of the much-anticipated fixture, we take a look at Toulon’s form this season and a few key players to watch out for in a few weeks time.
FORM GUIDE
Toulon have started their domestic campaign with six wins from their opening 12 games to leave them in eighth place in the Top14. After losing their previous three games, the French giants bounced back on the weekend with a 39-11 victory against the high-flying Lyon.
Like Bath, Toulon have won their opening two games in Europe with two nail-biting victories against Scarlets and Benetton Rugby. The French sided held off a late comeback to beat Scarlets 21-20 at the Stade Mayol, before Francois Trinh-Duc kicked a last minute penalty to give his side a dramatic 29-30 victory in Italy.
THREE TO WATCH
Toulon will head to the West Country full of firepower, but here are just a few players to look out at the Rec.
Guilhem Guirado
Captain of the French national side, Guirado has won over 50 caps for his country. Known for his explosive ball carrying skills and dominance at the set piece, Bath will be hoping to keep the hooker quiet at the Rec.
Chris Ashton
Ashton will be a familiar figure to Bath Rugby supporters after spending a decade in the Aviva Premiership. The winger scored 126 tries in 131 appearances during his time with Northampton Saints and Saracens, as well as 19 in 39 international appearances for England. The 30-year-old has continued from where he left off in France, scoring 10 times since his summer arrival in Toulon.
Malakai Fekitoa
Fekitoa was another big name recruit in the summer, joining Toulon from Hurricanes. During his time with the Super Rugby outfit, during which time he won 24 caps for New Zealand scoring eight tries. The 25-year-old, who will be joined in a dangerous backline, which includes also fellow All Blacks Ma’a Nonu and Luke McAlister.
Tickets to see Bath Rugby take on Toulon at the Rec on Saturday 16th December are now on sale. You can purchase tickets online here or by calling the Bath Rugby Ticket Office on 0844 448 1865.
