Northampton Saints’ fairytale Champions Cup run ended in heartbreak as they were overpowered 28-20 by Bordeaux-Begles in a gripping final in Cardiff.
After stunning Leinster in the semi-finals, Saints looked set for another upset with Alex Coles scoring twice to help level the game 20-20 at halftime.
But Bordeaux, led by their dominant forwards and a crucial second-half try from Cyril Caseaux, seized control as injuries and disallowed tries hampered Northampton’s momentum.
Despite resilient defence and flashes of flair, Saints were worn down by Bordeaux’s physicality and tactical substitutions. The win marks Bordeaux’s first European title and underscores a rising French dominance in the competition, while Northampton’s wait for a second crown stretches beyond 25 years.
