Edinburgh Stage Thrilling Comeback to Edge Past Gloucester in Champions Cup Clash

10 January 2026 Sports Events

Edinburgh Rally From Behind to Secure Crucial Victory

Edinburgh Rugby moved into second place in their Investec Champions Cup pool after a gritty 27-25 victory over Gloucester in a game of two halves at a freezing Hive Stadium, where the hosts overturned a 13-point deficit to secure a famous come-from-behind win in round three. This dramatic victory keeps Edinburgh on course to qualify for the knockout stages of Europe’s premier club competition.

First Half Struggles

Trailing 18-5 to Gloucester at the break, Edinburgh deserve credit for recovering from a wretched first 40 minutes, where they were disjointed and error-strewn. Gloucester were well ahead at the break thanks to tries from Josh Hathaway, scored within two minutes, and Charlie Atkinson in the first half’s final minute, plus eight points from the boot of fullback George Barton. The visitors took full advantage of Edinburgh’s unforced errors to build a commanding lead.

Second Half Transformation

The home side transformed after the interval, with their forwards taking control of proceedings. Edinburgh took control after the break, as Ewan Ashman and Liam McConnell powered over before Gloucester fly-half Atkinson was penalised for collapsing a maul, with Referee Luc Ramos awarding a penalty try and sending Atkinson to the sin-bin as Edinburgh took the lead for the first time. Freddy Douglas – once again starting at openside – picked up his second consecutive Player of the Match award, with a stellar performance that saw the back-row win five turnovers.

Significance for European Campaign

This 26-24 bonus-point win moves them on to ten points and provisionally second in Pool 2 after three matches. The victory is crucial for Edinburgh’s European ambitions, demonstrating resilience and character when facing adversity. For Gloucester, the result consigned the visitors to a fifth straight defeat, continuing their difficult campaign. Edinburgh now face heavyweights Bath in their next pool fixture, but this comeback victory has given them momentum and confidence as they push for a place in the Champions Cup round of 16.