Bordeaux-Begles clinch maiden Champions Cup trophy with hard-fought win over Northampton

The clash in Cardiff lived up to its billing, with both sides trading blows in a high-octane first half that ended level at 20-20.

Damian Penaud lit up the contest with two electrifying tries for Bordeaux, while Adam Coleman added a third.

Northampton responded in kind, with Alex Coles crashing over twice and Fin Smith keeping the scoreboard ticking with ten points from the tee.

However, Saints' hopes began to unravel early, with key players falling to injury.

Wing James Ramm was forced off in the opening moments, followed by full-back George Furbank who was stretchered off.

Lock Temo Mayanavanua also failed a Head Injury Assessment, compounding their woes. The side had already entered the final without influential No. 8 Juarno Augustus and wing George Hendy.

After the break, Bordeaux-Begles took full advantage of Northampton's misfortunes. Replacement lock Ed Prowse was shown a yellow card while Tommy Freeman was already in the sin-bin, leaving the Saints down to 13 men for a crucial period.

Bordeaux seized the opportunity, with Cyril Cazeaux powering over for a decisive try and Maxime Lucu slotting a penalty to stretch the lead.

Despite a valiant effort, Northampton could not claw their way back into contention.

The French side's composure and clinical edge proved the difference, as they lifted the trophy for the first time in their history. 

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