Jaminet double leads Toulon past Edinburgh in Challenge Cup opener

Melvyn Jaminet scored two tries and 22 points as Toulon beat Edinburgh in their European Challenge Cup opener at Hive Stadium on Friday. BBC Sport reported that the result handed Edinburgh their first defeat of the season.

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Jaminet's two penalties gave Toulon an early advantage before James Grayson replied to leave Edinburgh trailing 6-3 at half-time. The visitors then punished a turnover after the restart: Jaminet broke clear, kicked ahead and collected the ball to score. Edinburgh answered through Ewan Ashman after a lineout move involving Tom Currie.

Seta Tuicuvu's try extended Toulon's lead to 20-10, but replacement Geordie Gwynn brought Edinburgh back into contention after Currie's tackle forced a midfield error. Toulon's maul then helped create the opening for Jeremy Sinzelle to send Jaminet over again. His second try left the hosts unable to turn their responses into a winning comeback.

The defeat followed a strong domestic opening for Edinburgh. According to the club's account of their season before the match, victories over Ulster, the Stormers and Zebre Parma had taken them to the top of the United Rugby Championship. They had also won all three previous meetings with Toulon, including a 33-20 Champions Cup victory at the same ground in December 2025.

Edinburgh's team announcement had identified two changes to the starting side that won in Parma. Darcy Graham was selected after recovering from a bicep injury, while Tom Currie was handed his first start of the campaign. Grant Gilchrist was also named among the replacements following injury, giving the hosts returning experience alongside the players who had secured those three league victories.

The European schedule now gives Edinburgh a different sequence of opponents. The club's published pool fixtures list an away match against Vannes in December, followed by Harlequins at home and Black Lion away in January. Those three remaining pool assignments provide the route forward after an opening-night setback against a Toulon side Edinburgh had previously beaten both at home and in France.