# Northampton wins Champions Cup opener as English clubs struggle

> Northampton Saints beat Cardiff 28-12 in Pool Four, becoming the only English Premiership side to win on the opening weekend of the Champions Cup.
- Title: Northampton wins Champions Cup opener as English clubs…
- Summary: Northampton Saints beat Cardiff 28-12 in Pool Four, becoming the only English Premiership side to win on the opening weekend of the Champions Cup…
- Keywords: northampton saints, cardiff rugby, champions cup, rugby union, premiership, sports, Northampton, wins, Champions, Cup, opener, English
- Source: BBC Sport — https://bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/articles/cw62ynq8jz2no
- Published: 2026-10-18T18:23:30.839+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: northampton saints, cardiff rugby, champions cup, rugby union, premiership, sports
## Saints win opening Champions Cup match
Northampton Saints beat Cardiff 28-12 at Franklin's Gardens in Pool Four. Saints scored four tries to become the only English Premiership side to win on the opening weekend.
## Saints dominate first half in tricky conditions
James Pater and Toby Thame scored tries as Northampton led 14-0 at half-time. Both Callum Chick and Tom Manz knocked on going for the line in slippery conditions.
## Cardiff fight back to make it close
Harri Millard and Mason Grady scored tries for Cardiff to make it 14-12 in the final quarter. The Welsh side scented an upset after defending stoutly and forcing handling errors.
## Hendy and Dingwall seal the win
George Hendy juggled the ball for a try to respond to Cardiff's comeback. Fraser Dingwall scored in the 78th minute but Northampton could not find the fifth try needed for a bonus point.
## Tough opening weekend for English clubs
Northampton's success came at the end of a chastening opening weekend for Premiership clubs. Gloucester drew against champions Bordeaux-Begles but six other English sides lost.
## Pool Four fixtures ahead for both sides
Northampton travel to Stade Francais in December and face Montpellier in January before a home finish against Bulls. Cardiff host Bath in December then travel to Stade Francais and host Montpellier.
## Key takeaway

Northampton Saints became the only English Premiership side to win in the Champions Cup opening round, beating Cardiff 28-12 at Franklin's Gardens.