Northampton Saints have called for an official investigation following a post-match incident involving England’s Henry Pollock after Bordeaux’s Champions Cup final win. The Saints have indicated they will file a citing complaint if the incident is not properly examined by disciplinary authorities.
Phil Dowson, Northampton’s director of rugby, described the situation as “foul play” against the 20-year-old Pollock. The confrontation began with an exchange between Northampton captain Fraser Dingwall and Bordeaux’s French fly-half Matthieu Jalibert, before several Bordeaux players became involved in the scuffle.
Despite congratulating Bordeaux on their victory, Dowson expressed clear dissatisfaction with the events that unfolded after the final whistle. He said that Pollock was particularly upset, as the incident was unprovoked and out of order, prompting him to react. Dowson confirmed that the match officials, including the touch judge, witnessed the incident and were expected to address it appropriately.
Northampton’s fly-half Fin Smith also indicated that Bordeaux players had targeted Pollock during the game. “They were after him. I don’t think they liked him,” Smith said. He found it surprising that, after winning a European Cup, the Bordeaux players would initiate a confrontation with a young player. “I remember they all sort of charged at him and tried to get hold of him. It was interesting,” Smith added.
Dingwall, meanwhile, suggested there was no bad blood during the game but acknowledged that a growing tendency for players to appeal decisions excessively was contrary to the spirit of rugby. He felt such behavior could ignite reactions on the field.
Dowson praised his team for their resilience despite significant early injuries, including George Furbank being taken off on a medical cart after a collision. He acknowledged that losing two-thirds of Northampton’s back three within the first four minutes had a huge impact on the match.
Reflecting on the game, Dingwall expressed frustration over the narrow loss. “There was loads of fight and that sums us up this year – unfortunately, we just gave them too many opportunities and didn’t win the critical moments,” he said. He noted the fine margins in top-level rugby and lamented that his side did not take enough chances. “We stayed in there, but when you play against top teams, you can’t give them opportunities,” Dingwall added.
Bordeaux dominated the tournament offensively, scoring an astonishing 54 tries across eight Champions Cup matches this season. A significant contribution came from their France winger Damian Penaud, who scored 14 tries and was named player of the tournament. Penaud scored twice in the final, helping secure Bordeaux’s victory. He is the third consecutive French player to receive this honor, following Antoine Dupont and Grégory Alldritt. After the match, Penaud noted plans to celebrate with beer before focusing on the Top 14, where Bordeaux remains in contention for the domestic title.
In a separate announcement, European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) revealed plans to launch the inaugural World Club Cup in 2028. This new competition, supported unanimously by rugby’s governing bodies, will bring together the top club teams from the northern and southern hemispheres every four years. Sixteen teams will qualify for the tournament, including eight from the Champions Cup and others from Super Rugby Pacific and Japan. EPCR chairman Dominic McKay confirmed that the idea, which had been discussed for several years, will now come to fruition.
The Champions Cup final was a showcase of skill, drama, and intensity, but the post-match fracas involving Pollock has cast a shadow, prompting calls for disciplinary review to uphold the values and respect expected in rugby union.
