19 Apr 2009

Umaga's Toulon in big upset

12:15 pm on 19 April 2009

Tana Umaga's season-long struggle to keep Toulon in the top division of French rugby appears to have paid dividends after Toulon stunned defending champions Stade Toulousain with a 14-6 before 60,000 fans at the Stade Velodromein Marseille.

Toulon, which also boasts Kiwis Sonny Bill Williams, Jerry Collins and Saimone Taumoepeau, are now 12 points clear of 13th-placed Dax after recording their most impressive result of a trying season.

Recent form suggested they could be capable of an upset - especially with Stade Toulousain still nursing a post Heineken Cup hangover following their defeat in Cardiff - but Saturday's win was still a stunning result for the club.

It is now likely to pave the way for the announcement of Johnny Wilkinson as their star signing next week.