Northampton Saints Revamp Squad for Champions Cup Clash Against Castres
Anthony Belleau takes the helm as fly-half for Northampton Saints in their crucial Champions Cup last-16 tie against Castres at Franklin's Gardens this Friday. This change comes as Fin Smith is sidelined due to a head injury sustained during last week's thrilling victory over Saracens at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The Saints' lineup sees six changes, including the absence of Trevor Davison, who is unlikely to return this season due to a knee injury. Danilo Fischetti steps in at loose-head prop, while Luke Green remains at tight-head. Craig Wright replaces Curtis Langdon as the starting hooker. Adding to the pack's strength, JJ van der Mescht joins as lock, and Callum Chick is positioned at number eight. Henry Pollock shifts to open-side flanker, with Tom Pearson now on the bench. In the midfield, Fraser Dingwall partners with in-form Tom Litchfield, and George Furbank leads the side from the back. Phil Dowson's squad concluded the pool stage with three wins out of four, finishing second, while Castres managed two wins and two losses, placing third. The Saints previously triumphed over Castres in both the pool stage and quarter-finals last season. After a rough patch, Castres ended a three-match losing streak with a win against Montauban, moving to 10th place in the Top 14. They are captained by Baptiste Delaporte, with Jack Goodhue, a former All Black, highlighted as a key player in the backs.
Source: BBC Sport - 2026-04-02