The Northampton Saints team to play Bordeaux Bègles in Saturday’s Investec Champions Cup Final has been confirmed — and there’s firepower across the park as they head to Cardiff’s Principality Stadium for the biggest match in over a decade (KO 2.45pm).
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George Furbank is back in the No.15 jersey for his first outing since April, while flyer Ollie Sleightholme returns to the matchday 23 for the first time since December and will look to bring impact off the bench.
? SAINTS SEEK HISTORY IN CARDIFF
It’s Saints’ first appearance in a European final since 2011 — when they were edged out by Leinster. But having stunned the Irish giants in this year’s semi-final, Director of Rugby Phil Dowson is determined to write a new chapter in the club’s European story.
With the Northampton Saints team to play Bordeaux packed with pace, youth, and Lions quality, the men in Black, Green and Gold are primed to go one step further and lift Europe’s biggest prize for the first time since 2000.
? KEY HEADLINES
- Fin Smith has scored 71 points in the tournament and starts at fly-half alongside Alex Mitchell — both named in the latest British & Irish Lions squad.
- Fraser Dingwall captains the side again from outside centre, linking up with Rory Hutchinson in midfield for a fourth straight week.
- Curtis Langdon earns his 50th cap, packing down with Emmanuel Iyogun and Trevor Davison in a settled front row.
- Youthful energy in the back row with Alex Coles, Josh Kemeny and No.8 Henry Pollock.
✅ NORTHAMPTON SAINTS TEAM TO PLAY BORDEAUX BÈGLES
Investec Champions Cup Final
? Principality Stadium, Cardiff
? KO: Saturday 24 May, 2.45pm
? Principality Stadium, Cardiff
? KO: Saturday 24 May, 2.45pm
Starting XV:
15. George Furbank
14. Tommy Freeman
13. Fraser Dingwall (c)
12. Rory Hutchinson
11. James Ramm
10. Fin Smith
9. Alex Mitchell
15. George Furbank
14. Tommy Freeman
13. Fraser Dingwall (c)
12. Rory Hutchinson
11. James Ramm
10. Fin Smith
9. Alex Mitchell
- Emmanuel Iyogun
- Curtis Langdon (50th cap)
- Trevor Davison
- Temo Mayanavanua
- Tom Lockett
- Alex Coles
- Josh Kemeny
- Henry Pollock
Replacements:
16. Craig Wright
17. Tarek Haffar
18. Elliot Millar Mills
19. Ed Prowse
20. Angus Scott-Young
21. Tom James
22. Tom Litchfield
23. Ollie Sleightholme
16. Craig Wright
17. Tarek Haffar
18. Elliot Millar Mills
19. Ed Prowse
20. Angus Scott-Young
21. Tom James
22. Tom Litchfield
23. Ollie Sleightholme
? Unavailable:
Augustus, Graham, Hendy, Makepeace-Cubitt, McParland, Odendaal, Thame, Savala, Smith, West
?⚖️ Officials:
Ref: Nika Amashukeli (GEO) | ARs: Andrew Brace (IRE), Andrea Piardi (ITA) | TMO: Marius Jonker (RSA)
The Northampton Saints team to play Bordeaux may be brimming with talent and confidence after their semi-final heroics, but the Top 14 side arrives in Cardiff with power, depth, and ambition of their own.
?️ RUCK PREDICTION:
Northampton Saints 24 – 32 Bordeaux Bègles
Despite their incredible journey to the final, the Northampton Saints team to play Bordeaux may fall just short against a well-rounded and physical French outfit chasing their first Champions Cup crown.
Despite their incredible journey to the final, the Northampton Saints team to play Bordeaux may fall just short against a well-rounded and physical French outfit chasing their first Champions Cup crown.
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