Edinburgh hooker Ewan Ashman is calling on the Hive Stadium crowd to bring the same electric energy that helped the club knock out Toulon in last year’s Champions Cup, as the two sides prepare to meet again in European competition.
Ashman, who has established himself as one of Scotland’s most reliable front row operators, says the atmosphere generated by Edinburgh supporters during that memorable victory last season ranks among the best he has experienced in the capital. And he reckons that kind of noise from the stands can make a genuine difference when the French heavyweights come to town again.
“It was absolutely bouncing,” Ashman said, reflecting on the Hive last year when Edinburgh sent Toulon packing. “The crowd was unreal that night. That sort of atmosphere genuinely lifts the players, you feel it on the pitch. When the crowd are into it from the first whistle, it gives you that extra bit of energy.”
Toulon are no pushovers. The south of France club carry serious pedigree in European rugby, having lifted the Champions Cup three times, and they always travel with a squad packed with international quality. Getting one over on them once is a result worth celebrating. Doing it twice takes something special.
But Edinburgh will fancy their chances at home, particularly if the Hive delivers the kind of wall of noise that made last year’s clash so memorable. The ground has developed a reputation as one of the tougher away venues in European rugby on a good night, and Ashman is keen to see that reputation grow.
For the hooker himself, these European nights represent the peak of club rugby. Having come through the ranks and cemented his place in the Scotland setup, Ashman understands what it means to compete at the highest level week in week out. Matches against clubs like Toulon are exactly why players push themselves through the grind of a long season.
Edinburgh have shown over recent campaigns that they are no longer content to simply make up the numbers in Europe. The club has genuine ambition to go deep in the Champions Cup, and the squad has the talent to back that up. Retaining players of Ashman’s quality, alongside other Scottish internationals, has given head coach Sean Everitt a core to build around.
The physical battle up front will likely decide the contest. Toulon have always prided themselves on their set piece and their ability to dominate through the forwards, so Edinburgh’s front row will need to be at their absolute best. Ashman thrives in exactly that kind of confrontation, and his experience at international level means he will not be found wanting when it gets tight and physical.
Fans are being urged to get down to the Hive early and make some noise. Ashman’s message is simple enough, the players feed off the energy in the ground, and a packed, loud home support could be the difference between a famous win and a frustrating defeat.
If last year is anything to go by, Edinburgh supporters know exactly what is being asked of them. They delivered once. Ashman is confident they can do it again.