The Rugby Club Toulonnais (RCT) kicked off the year 2025 with an electrifying match against Racing 92 at the Mayol Stadium, delivering both triumph and concern for their loyal supporters. While the match ended with Toulon securing the victory and gaining valuable bonus points, fans left the stadium with mixed emotions due to the injury of captain Charles Ollivon.
Just six minutes after the start of the match, the atmosphere shifted dramatically when Setariki Tuicuvu scored the first try, sending the crowd eruptions. Meanwhile, Ollivon, who had made a brilliant play leading to the try, was seen grimacing as he clutched his right knee. Thoughts of his potential injury cast a shadow over the early celebrations, leaving fans and teammates alike worried. According to coach Pierre Mignoni, "Charles, we don’t know. It’s the knee, but we haven’t checked yet. He went home because he wasn’t well and couldn’t watch the match. He will undergo tests on Monday."
This uncertainty loomed large over the match. Teammates like Paolo Garbisi expressed their concerns, stating, "We are thinking strongly about Charles. It’s sad—of course for him, but also for the team. I don’t need to explain it to you. Charles is fundamental. He is an integral part of this club. Yes, we won and took the bonus, but the evening is somewhat spoiled." Esteban Abadie, who replaced Ollivon during the match, echoed these sentiments, acknowledging the deep impact Ollivon has on the team. "It’s frustrating. It looks like it could be a serious injury. Charles will be missed, and it affects us as a unit," he lamented.
Despite the gloomy cloud over Ollivon, the match saw players rise to the occasion. Setariki Tuicuvu was particularly impressive, scoring two tries within just thirteen minutes. His first try followed another play from Baptiste Serin, who was instrumental with his decision-making and pacing. Tuicuvu struck again soon after, taking advantage of the defensive lapse by Racing to extend the lead. Jérémy Sinzelle praised Tuicuvu's performance, noting, "He was exceptional. Not only did he score, but he also saved an attempt at the five-meter line. He excelled under high balls and was pivotal for our team’s transition."
The first half ended with Toulon dominating the field with the score at 24-10. Yet the second half brought about unexpected challenges, showing Racing's resilience. Nolan Le Garrec's two interceptions led to tries, bringing Racing back within seven points at 31-24. Tension built as Toulon struggled to maintain control, allowing the visitors to threaten for more points. Enzo Hervé’s attempted drop goal at the 77th minute just skimmed the upright, which would have secured the win.
It wasn’t until the closing moments of the match when Toulon found their footing again. With seconds to spare, Gaël Dréan scored the decisive try, sealing the victory and securing the bonus point for Toulon. The match concluded with the final score at 37-24, highlighting the team’s ability to overcome adversity amid nerves and uncertainty.
Mignoni noted the challenges faced during the match, reflecting on the team's performance and the increased expectations they have placed on themselves this season. “The best teams find ways to keep their performance standards high, and our players want to be perfect. They are striving for continuous improvement,” Mignoni remarked. This sentiment of seeking excellence is palpable among the team, boosting morale even amid challenging moments.
Despite securing another bonus victory, Mignoni acknowledged the frustrations alongside the positives. "We had control for much of the match but lost our rhythm after some mistakes. We need to address those lapses to remain competitive moving forward," he added. Even with seven wins out of their last eight matches, the pursuit of perfection and the awareness of their occasional shortcomings reflect Toulon's ambition to rise above their current standings.
Fans left the stadium exhilarated yet cautious. The spirited performance of players like Tuicuvu and Dréan lit up the field, showcasing their resilience and talent, but the uncertainties surrounding Ollivon’s health left many pondering the fragility of success. Whether or not Toulon can maintain their momentum is yet to be seen, but the drive for excellence and team spirit remains strong within the club.