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3d ago

Bordeaux-Begles Win First Champions Cup Title in Cardiff

The French side defeated Northampton Saints 28-20 in a physical final marked by injuries, yellow cards, and a post-match altercation under review.

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Rugby Union - European Challenge Cup Final - Northampton Saints v Bordeaux Begles - Principality Stadium, Cardiff, Wales, Britain - May 24, 2025 Bordeaux Begles fans react in the stands Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers
Rugby Union - European Challenge Cup Final - Northampton Saints v Bordeaux Begles - Principality Stadium, Cardiff, Wales, Britain - May 24, 2025 Bordeaux Begles' Guido Petti in action during a line out Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers

Overview

  • Bordeaux-Begles secured their maiden Champions Cup title, continuing a five-year streak of French dominance in the competition.
  • Northampton Saints lost key backs George Furbank and James Ramm to injuries within the opening five minutes, impacting their performance.
  • Damian Penaud scored two tries for Bordeaux, and Matthieu Jalibert played a pivotal role in creating three of their four tries.
  • The match featured intense physicality, with multiple yellow cards and a record-setting 20-20 first-half scoreline, the highest in Champions Cup final history.
  • A post-match fracas involving Northampton’s Henry Pollock and Bordeaux players is under potential disciplinary investigation, raising concerns about sportsmanship.