Toulouse claimed their 17th French championship with a 26-20 final win over Clermont.

Toulouse, who last won the title in 2001, scored two tries through hooker William Servat and fullback Maxime Medard while captain Aurelien Rougerie replied with two touchdowns for Clermont.

The Stade de France result was heartbreaking for Clermont, who dominated the regular season before sliding to a record eighth final defeat.

"We are jinxed," said number eight Elvis Vermeulen. "We gave everything we had but once again we lost."

Toulouse's former France skipper Fabien Pelous said: "Clermont wanted to win but so did we because we wanted to end a seven-year title drought and forget our Heineken Cup final defeat to Munster."

Former New Zealand scrumhalf Byron Kelleher was in tears at the end.

"It's a great joy which I want to share with my Toulouse family," said Kelleher.

Clermont drew first blood in the 13th minute when Brock James converted a penalty in front of the posts.

Toulouse replied four minutes later as Kelleher set up a touchdown for Servat.

After the teams had gone in level 10-10 at halftime, Toulouse took control with a brilliant 80-metre try on the hour.

The move started in Toulouse's 22 when Tonga number eight Finau Maka darted behind a scrum and ended with Medard diving under the posts.

Reuters