Toulon Bolstered by Return of International Stars Ahead of High Stakes Champions Cup Semifinal

Toulon receives a major boost as Charles Ollivon and Matthias Halagahu return to training ahead of their Champions Cup showdown with Leinster in Dublin.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 30, 2026, 4:10 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Rugby365

Squad Reinforcements Arrive for Aviva Stadium Clash

Preparation for the Investec Champions Cup semifinal has intensified at Toulon, with the French club welcoming several vital personnel back to the training paddock this week. Following a high scoring 52-26 victory over Bayonne in the Top 14, the coaching staff observed the return of frontline forwards who were rested or sidelined during domestic duties. The presence of these veteran figures provides a timely lift as the squad prepares to travel to Dublin to face Leinster at the Aviva Stadium. According to reports from the training ground, the returning contingent is expected to restore much needed physicality to a pack tasked with neutralizing the Irish provincial side’s disciplined set piece.

Fitness Concerns Linger for English International Lock

While the atmosphere at training was largely positive, the status of second row David Ribbans remains a point of contention for the medical staff. The South African born England international was seen participating in drills, but his involvement was clearly modified. Ribbans wore a specialized vest marked with a cross, a visual indicator typically used to signal that a player is still managing a physical limitation. Sources indicate that the lock continues to struggle with recurring back pain, an issue that has hampered his availability over the last several months. His inclusion in the matchday squad remains uncertain, as the team carefully manages his workload leading up to the Saturday kickoff.

Ollivon and Halagahu Restore Frontline Depth

In contrast to the uncertainty surrounding Ribbans, French loose forward Charles Ollivon appeared to be in excellent physical condition during the session. Ollivon, a pivotal leader within the Toulon structure, missed the previous weekend's domestic fixture but showed no signs of lingering fatigue or injury. Joining him in a return to full training was lock Matthias Halagahu, who had been a late withdrawal from the Bayonne match due to a foot injury. The availability of both players is viewed as a critical development for Toulon’s defensive strategy, as they provide the work rate and tackle selection necessary to disrupt Leinster's quick ball archetypes.