Gloucester Rugby have staged a 27-22 comeback victory over Perpignan in their opening match of the Heineken Cup.

The hosts were 13-9 down at half time but recovered in the second period to pick up the points at Kingsholm.

James Hook put the visitors on the front foot as early as the first minute when he converted his own try, and despite Jimmy Cowan's efforts, his kicking kept the French outfit in the lead at the break.

However, Gloucester came out strongly in the second half and Jonny May's try in the 74th minute proved decisive in the encounter, with Lifeimi Mafi being sent off for a tip tackle for Perpignan.