Scotland hooker says atmosphere during last year’s Champions Cup victory was one of the best he’s experienced with capital club.
Edinburgh hooker Ewan Ashman hopes the crowd for this Friday’s match with Toulon at the Hive can recreate the incredible atmosphere that pushed them to victory over the French heavyweights in their last encounter.
Sean Everitt’s side pulled off a memorable 33-20 home win in December last year which eventually helped them secure a spot in the knockout stages of last season’s Champions Cup. This time around the two teams will face off in the Challenge Cup as both look to get their latest European campaigns underway with a victory.
The capital club enter the fixture full of confidence having started the new URC campaign with three wins from three to sit top of the league table. It should add an extra air of excitement to proceedings under the Friday night lights with the home crowd hopefully contributing to another special result.
“One of my favourite games” - Ashman has fond memories of Edinburgh’s Champions Cup win over Toulon
“Definitely a lot of excitement,” said Ashman. “I think it's nice being at the Hive and the atmosphere, I think about back to last year, where it was absolutely bouncing, that was probably one of the best atmospheres in my memory in the last few years at the club.
“Those are the memories you remember. Last year sticks out to me as one of my favourite games I've played here. Hopefully we can replicate that.”
Toulon have had a rocky start to their Top 14 campaign with just two wins out of five. They also parted company with head coach Pierre Mignoni earlier this month before responding with a 29-15 win at home to Racing 92 last weekend.
Despite their form, Ashman is well aware of how good a team the 2023 Challenge Cup winners are. He’s also looking forward to facing off against Scotland teammates Ben White and Huw Jones should one or both feature for the visitors.
“They're a quality outfit,” the national team hooker explained. “Even last year when they rolled up, quality players. It'll be good.
“Definitely a lot of excitement for the fans, to get out in front of them in such a big game against a big team with quality players across the park. They’re star-studded, Ben White and Shuggy [Jones], players of that calibre, it's definitely exciting.”
The former Sale Sharks forward played his first rugby of the new season last weekend in Edinburgh’s 29-12 win away to Zebre. The 26-year-old picked up an Achilles injury over the summer with his last outing prior to the game in Parma coming for Scotland in their Nations Championship defeat to South Africa.
His return comes at an ideal time for national team head coach Gregor Townsend who will name his squad for their November Test matches next week. Ashman has established himself as first choice hooker for Scotland but needs to continue playing well with Glasgow duo Gregor Hiddleston and Seb Stephen also playing well.
“It’s not something I think about, to be honest, it's kind of outside noise,” explained Ashman when asked about his role with Scotland. “My sole focus is this weekend and playing as well as I can for Edinburgh and then whatever happens on the back of that happens.
“There's some quality guys out there, Gregor and Seb, and then you don't have to look far. Jerry [Blyth-Lafferty] was outstanding last time he got a run out, and [Harri] Morris, as usual, is throwing his weight around, absolutely class.”
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