Northampton secures first Premiership win in Champions Cup

Northampton secured a 28-12 victory over Cardiff at DPD Stadium, becoming the first English Premiership team to win a match in this season’s Investec Champions Cup. Northampton established an early 14-0 lead in the first half with tries from James Pater and Toby Thame. Although Cardiff mounted a second-half comeback, including a try by Harri Millard and narrowing the gap while Northampton played with 14 men, George Hendy’s crucial try and a late score by Fraser Dingwall secured the win for the hosts.

In other Champions Cup action, Leicester suffered a heavy 41-17 defeat against Pau in France. While Ollie Chessum scored upon his return from injury, Pau’s Rodrigo Marta recorded two tries to lead the French side to a bonus-point victory.

In the European Challenge Cup, Harlequins earned a 57-19 bonus-point win against Vannes. Marcus Smith contributed 22 points, including two tries and six conversions, as the team secured a comprehensive home victory.