Clermont Auvergne

Beaten two years ago by Stade Francais, Clermont also tasted the desperation of defeat in three of the past five European Cup finals - including three weeks ago against Saracens at Murrayfield.

But on Sunday at Stade de France it was their turn to step up from the role of perennial bridesmaids and instead it is Toulon who are left to lament a final curse of their own, having been on the wrong end of four of the last six in the Top 14, although that record is mitigated by their 2014 triumph.

Clermont trailed 16-3 after 25 minutes when Leigh Halfpenny followed up three early penalties by converting a Charles Ollivon try.

However, the visitors came roaring back and moved ahead in the second half as Patricio Fernandez crossed twice in the space of two minutes.

Toulon were ultimately grateful for a 73rd-minute try from Mamuka Gorgodze, with Pierre Bernard adding the extras to ensure the lead changed hands once again.

Even then the drama was not over, Camille Lopez missing the target with a late drop-goal attempt that would have earned Clermont victory.