World’s best rugby players coming to Coventry this Sunday
Picture montage of famous Toulon players past and present
What a match Coventry has in store at the Ricoh Arena this weekend. Last Sunday, Wasps
became one of the few sides ever to beat three-times Champions Leinster, in Europe, at
their home ground in Dublin. This was following an imperious defensive and clinical
attacking performance saw them run out 33-6 winners.
This Sunday, the challenge for the West Midlands’ club becomes no easier, as they host
arguably the best rugby squad in world rugby - Toulon - the first side ever to win three backto-back European titles.
Think Real Madrid or Barcelona of the football world. This match is too big to miss!
Your guide to Toulon:
Toulon were formed in 1908, but shot to fame when life-long Toulon fan and local celebrity
Mourad Boudjellal bought the club in 2006.
The multi-millionaire, who made his money from comic strips, took the club from France’s
second division to European champions in the space of just six years.
Famous Toulon players of the past
This rapid ascent to the top of European rugby was helped by the signing of ‘galacticos’ such
as Jonny Wilkinson, Sonny Bill Williams, George Gregan, Tana Umaga and Bakkies Botha.
Current Toulon Galacticos en route to the Ricoh Arena
Their current side boasts World Cup stars such as Springbok superstar Bryan Habana, French
magician Frederic Michalak and Mathieu Bastareaud, Wallaby legends Matt Giteau, Drew
Mitchell and Quade Cooper, as well as the Armitage brothers Delon and Steffon, to name
but a few.
This stellar cast has helped Toulon become the first team in history to win three European
Champions Cup titles on the bounce.
Wasps v Toulon
The current European Champions are no strangers to Wasps. The sides met in last seasons’
Champions Cup quarter-final, Toulon coming away 32-18 victors, despite a strong second
half rally from Wasps.
There are a number of links between the sides, including Wasps’ former Head of
Conditioning Paul ‘Bobby’ Stridgeon, who is now in charge of conditioning at Toulon, having
recently returned from a World Cup campaign with Warren Gatland’s Wales.
Wasps and Toulon have shared a number of former players, including Simon Shaw and Paul
Sackey, while current Wasps’ flanker George Smith enjoyed a stint at the Stade Mayol
during the 2010/11 season.
With the first clash of two coming up this Sunday, former Wasps, England and Toulon
winger, Paul Sackey said: “I cannot wait to see two of my former teams go head-to-head
again. It was a great occasion the last time the two sides met in the quarter-final and I think
it will be another two fantastic games this year.
“It’s hard to put into words the depth of superstars within the Toulon squad. It really is
sprinkled with stardust. The French teams have a bigger salary cap so can recruit more
players and there are world-class players from 1-23, with another 23 internationals waiting
as back up!
“Wasps have recruited well again this season and have brought in a little more experience
which should be hugely beneficial. On Sunday, there will be some of the most exciting
attacking threats in world rugby lining up against each other, so it’s set to be a high-octane
thriller.
“I’ve also been really impressed by the intensity of Wasps’ defense over the past few weeks.
Against Leinster on Sunday, Wasps’ defensive effort was immense. They worked their socks
off for each other.
“Wasps will need to be at their absolute defensive best again this Sunday to keep Toulon
out, but I have no doubt, if Wasps play to their potential they can pull off a win that might
surprise a few, given the standard of the opposition coming to Coventry.
“I’d recommend to any sports fan wanting to see some of the best sporting talent in the
world, to come down to the Ricoh Arena this Sunday. I just wish I was still playing, so I could
be part of the incredible occasion that’s going to take place at the Ricoh Arena. I’ll have my
boots ready, just in case I get a late-call up,” he joked.
What else can the family enjoy on match day at Wasps v Toulon?

In the Jaguar Exhibition Hall
o Wasps will be showing the other two European Champions Cup pool games
live on the big screen before Wasps’ match (Clermont Auvergne v Ospreys &
Stade Francais v Munster)
o Live music from the ‘The Recruits’
o The WIZ (Wasps Interactive Zone) with Wasps Community Coaches on hand
to run three skill tests; Speed {batak}, Power {tackling} and accuracy
{passing}.
o Heineken bars

Community rugby activity:
o 62 children from Newport Salop Rugby Club and Old Leamingtonians will
form a guard of honour as the players run onto the pitch
o 30 children from Pingvin RFC in Sweden will enjoy doing the giant Wasps and
Land Rover shirt shake.
o 14 participants from Wasps Urban Rugby Squad will be taking part in an
exhibition tag game at half time.
Tickets for the highly anticipated match-up on Sunday the 22nd November, at the Ricoh
Arena, are selling fast so book your tickets soon to avoid disappointment. Tickets start at
£15 for adults and U10s go free.
Simply log on to Wasps ticketing page here, visit the Ricoh Arena Ticket Office or call direct
on 02476 786 411.