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 having scored a try after 15 seconds but then having to come from behind in the second half.

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

Three penalties for flyhalf 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.

(With input from Reuters)