French Power Prevails as Saints’ Brave Bid Falls Short in Cardiff
The dream died in Cardiff for Northampton Saints, as French Top 14 powerhouse Bordeaux-Bègles summoned brute strength and unrelenting pressure to bulldoze their way to a 28-20 victory in the Champions Cup final. On a night where both teams had moments of brilliance and grit, it was ultimately the relentless second-half squeeze from Bordeaux’s forwards that settled a gripping encounter and handed the club its first-ever European title.
For Saints, it was a bitter pill to swallow. After toppling tournament juggernauts Leinster in the semi-final, there was every reason to believe Phil Dowson’s men had one more big performance in them. And for 40 minutes, they did. But in a bruising second half, with the French bench flexing its muscle and territory becoming scarce, Northampton simply couldn’t stay in the fight.
Saints Start Strong but Bordeaux Find Their Rhythm
It all began in a blur of belief. Within two minutes, Alex Coles, who had passed a late fitness test to start, scrambled over from close range to give Northampton a dream start. Saints fans erupted, sensing something special might be unfolding. But celebrations were short-lived. Wing James Ramm limped off almost immediately, and full-back George Furbank—only recently returned from a broken arm—was stretchered off after a nasty collision with Romain Buros’ knee.
The reshuffle was significant. England wing Tommy Freeman was forced to full-back, and the backline cohesion that had helped down Leinster began to fray. Bordeaux, sensing blood, pounced. Damian Penaud—prolific all season—glided in for his 13th try of the campaign to close the gap, before a stunning solo effort from fly-half Mathieu Jalibert teed up Adam Coleman for a bruising finish in the corner.
Yet Saints, as they’ve done all season, refused to go quietly. Fly-half Fin Smith kept the scoreboard ticking with two penalties, and when the match descended into chaos late in the first half—with yellow cards, missed chances, and end-to-end madness—it was Coles again who got the final word of the opening stanza. His try, converted coolly by Smith, sent the sides in level at 20-20 after an electric first 40 minutes.
Bordeaux’s Forwards Take Over After the Break
The second half promised more fireworks—and it briefly delivered. Henry Pollock, quiet in the first period, peeled off a brilliant lineout move to canter under the posts, saluting the crowd with a Ronaldo-style ‘calma’ celebration. But it was heartbreak rather than heroics. The TMO spotted Coles holding back a defender, and the score was chalked off.
It was a turning point. Not long after, Ed Prowse was sent to the sin bin for a high hit on Yoram Moefana. Maxime Lucu slotted the penalty, and Bordeaux were back in front. And then came the cavalry.
The French side had deliberately stacked their bench with six forwards. On came the likes of 24-stone Ben Tameifuna, and with him arrived a new level of physicality. The scrum tightened. The mauls marched forward. The Saints’ defensive wall, heroic all night, began to creak.
Eventually, it broke. Second-row Cyril Cazeaux, the embodiment of Bordeaux’s forward dominance, barged over from close range following a series of punishing phases. That score made it 28-20, and with it came a sense of finality. Saints tried to hit back, running from deep, seeking space out wide, but the energy and momentum had drained.
A European Dream Delayed for Northampton
For all their valiance, Northampton just couldn’t wrestle back control. In truth, the second half was defined by Bordeaux’s stranglehold on possession and territory. There was no space, no spark, and crucially, no points for Saints after the interval.
Their appearance in this final marked the first by an English club since Exeter’s triumph in 2020. But with only one of five Premiership sides making it beyond the last 16 this year—and the financial gap between English and French rugby growing wider—this may be the last English presence in a final for some time.
Still, this campaign offered so much hope. Dowson’s men played with ambition and heart throughout the tournament, and their semi-final victory over Leinster was one of the great recent European upsets. But in Cardiff, against a Bordeaux side hungry for silverware and laden with international quality, it just wasn’t enough.
Bordeaux Signal Their Arrival on Europe’s Top Table
For Bordeaux, this win isn’t just about a trophy—it’s about a statement. A club often overshadowed by Toulouse in domestic and continental competition, they’ve now claimed the ultimate European honour and did it their way.
Having been crushed 59-3 by their southwest rivals in last season’s Top 14 final, Bordeaux have responded with conviction. They beat Toulouse in this year’s semi-final and now hold the upper hand in both league standings and European success.
Head coach Yannick Bru’s side blended the flair of Jalibert and Penaud with the thunder of Tameifuna and Cazeaux. It was a masterclass in squad depth, game management, and physical dominance. And now, as they head back into the domestic title race, they do so as champions of Europe.
What’s Next for Saints?
Northampton’s campaign isn’t over. The Premiership title remains a possibility, and this European run has undoubtedly galvanised their young squad. Smith, Pollock, and Coles are just a few of the emerging English talents who gained invaluable experience on the biggest stage.
There’ll be time for reflection—and perhaps some regret—but also pride in how far they’ve come. They weren’t outclassed in Cardiff. They were just outmuscled, outlasted, and eventually, outscored.
The Saints’ faithful, who travelled in numbers, made their voices heard throughout, and despite the result, left the Principality Stadium knowing their side is building something special. The wait for a second Champions Cup goes on, but this won’t be the last we hear from Northampton Saints in Europe.
