Cardiff fall to Northampton in Champions Cup comeback

Northampton Saints secured a 28‑12 victory over Cardiff Rugby in the opening round of the 2026‑27 European Champions Cup, becoming the sole English club to win on the day. The match at Franklin’s Gardens saw the English side score four tries through James Pater, Toby Thame, George Hendy and Fraser Dingwall, while Cardiff’s tries came from Harri Millian and Mason Grady. James Pater also added the conversion for the Saints, with a missed attempt by Anthony Belleau after his sin‑bin.

The Saints built a 14‑0 lead at the break, thanks to early scores from Pater and Thame in difficult, slippery conditions. Cardiff rallied in the second half, with Millian breaking through the line and Grady capitalising after a Jarrod Evans pass, narrowing the gap to 14‑12. A sin‑bin for Belleau for a breakdown offence gave the hosts a chance, but Hendy responded quickly, weaving a try that Pater converted. Later, Dingwall chased down a potential try by Wales and Lions centre Josh Adams, preventing a further score. Dingwall added a try in the 78th minute, but the Saints could not secure the fifth try needed for a bonus point.

Cardiff’s return to Europe’s top tier after two seasons in the Challenge Cup was notable, though the side faced a tight five‑day turnaround to a United Rugby Championship match against the Sharks. Consequently, several key players were rested, while Wales internationals Taulupe Faletau and Josh Adams made their season debuts after injury.

Northampton also made squad adjustments ahead of a demanding trip to Leicester the following Saturday, but the changes proved effective. The match was refereed by Jeremy Rozier of France, with Anthony Belleau receiving a yellow card in the 60th minute.

Next fixtures see the Saints travel to Stade Français in December before returning to France in January to face Montpellier, and then host the Bulls to close the group stage. Cardiff will host Bath in December and later travel to Stade Français and Montpellier in January.