Wasps take Euro Cup for first time

The London Wasps celebrate defeating Toulouse to win the Heineken Cup at Twickenham in London. PHOTO: AFP

Scrumhalf Rob Howley scored a late try to give English champions Wasps their first ever European Cup triumph on Sunday with a 27-20 victory over French holders Toulouse at Twickenham.

But the French side, who fought back from 20-11 down to 20-20 with just three minutes of normal time remaining, will be kicking themselves for the way former Welsh international skipper Howley was allowed to steal in to score.

As he chased his own hopeful kick ahead into the corner, Toulouse full-back Clement Poitrenaud fatally hesitated, hoping to guide the ball into touch.

That allowed Howley to seize his chance and take the ball off Poitrenaud's fingertips to score the vital try which was awarded after an agonizing wait for the video referee to make a decision

Kiwi Mark Van Gisbergen then coolly slotted home the conversion to spark wild celebrations inside a packed Twickenham.

"I just wanted to get into their territory and get the position for us to try a drop goal but we had a bit of luck with the try," said Howley.

"It has to be the biggest of my career. We were up against a very good side and I'm just thankful that we've won it."

Wasps and England skipper Lawrence Dallaglio, who was sin-binned for 10 minutes in the second half for persistent offside, admitted it was a tough ending to the game.

"We did it on the back foot," said Dallaglio.

"Toulouse were very worthy opponents and we knew from the word go that we were in for a hell of a game.

The afternoon had started well for Toulouse with flyhalf Yann Delaigue kicking two early penalties to give his side a 6-0 lead after 11 minutes.

But full-back Van Gisbergen, who was to score 17 of his team's points, reduced the deficit after 15 minutes with a penalty after Jean Bouilhou was judged offside.

With the game heading into extra-time, Poitrenaud made his fatal error which allowed Howley to score the crucial try.

Wasps became the fourth English side to win the European Cup following Bath, Northampton and Leicester.