Three-time defending champions Toulon moved closer to the European Rugby Champions Cup quarter-finals after edging out visitors Bath 12-9 on Sunday (10th January).

Three-time defending champions Toulon hosted Bath in the European Rugby Champions Cup on Sunday in a fixture that was rearranged following last November's Paris terror attacks.

The two sides traded penalties in the early stages before George Ford kicked Bath into a 6-3 lead with a 28th minute drop goal.

Seven minutes later Bath captain Stuart Hooper hit Juan Smith when the ball had gone - leaving Eric Escande pull Toulon level with the resulting penalty.

Early in the second half the away side re-took the lead via another Ford drop goal.

Another Escande penalty levelled the score at 9-9 before Ford attempted to bag a hat-trick of drop goals in the 70th minute. However, he was wayward on this occasion and the miss would prove crucial.

In a game of few try scoring chances it was no surprise to see the winning points come from a penalty. Replacement Frederic Michalak converted the penalty to put Toulon 12-9 ahead - the first time the French side had lead in the game.

Despite decent possession Bath were unable to hit back, handing Toulon an important win that takes the French side to within one point of Pool five leaders Wasps - with the top two due to meet next Sunday.