Match Preview | Challenge Cup Final

• 17 May 2023

It’s the first time Glasgow Warriors have made a European Final in club history, and they are traveling to Dublin to face Toulon.   

Glasgow Warriors have two players leading the statistics heading into the final with Johnny Matthews unsurprisingly holding the record for most tries scored. Jack Dempsey leads in terms of carries and defenders beaten. Both players will be keen to continue those records should they be playing on Friday.  

This is the fifth time that Toulon have been in the EPCR Challenge Cup final but have yet to take home the trophy. Toulon’s Jiuta Wainiqolo has made the most offloads this season with 16 from his six appearances.  

Glasgow and Toulon are both unbeaten in their Challenge Cup pursuit and their first loss of the competition will see them finish in second place. Should the match finish as a draw, there will be extra time followed by penalty kicks until a team emerges victorious.  

Glasgow have faced Toulon just twice before, with Toulon winning both of those encounters. Both of these encounters took b=place in 2013 and 2014, so it is hard to draw a comparison that will give any indication as to which way the game will go on Friday.  

In this season alone, Glasgow Warriors fares better than Toulon in terms of metres gained, tries, tackles, passes made and turnovers. These statistics highlight the recent form of Franco Smith’s side and their strong attacking play.  

The match is shaping up to be a very competitive game from both sides.  Should Glasgow win the trophy it will make Glasgow Warriors the first Scottish side to win and should Toulon win it they will become one of five clubs to win both the Heineken Cup and Challenge Cup.

Match Officials 

Referee: Wayne Barnes (England)
Assistant Referee 1: Chris Busby (Ireland)
Assistant Referee 2: Craig Evans (Wales)
TMO: Ben Whitehouse (Wales) 

 Game Details  

 8pm, Friday 19 May 2023, Aviva Stadium, Dublin
 

Broadcast Details  

The game will be shown on BT Sport.
The Old School House will be showing the game. They are now fully booked for tables but walk-ups will be welcome until capacity.
The Hilton Glasgow will also be showing the game. You must register to attend, more information can be found here.