Statement: Fin Smith one of two players pulled from team hours before game

Sunday, 11 January 2026 at 10:59

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byRugby Rucker

Northampton Saints have suffered a major setback just hours before their Investec Champions Cup clash with Union Bordeaux-Bègles, with Fin Smith and James Ramm both ruled out on matchday.

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Phil Dowson’s side head into the rematch of last season’s final at Stade Jacques Chaban-Delmas without two key backs, after the club confirmed the pair had been withdrawn through injury.

A Saints statement read:

“Fin Smith and James Ramm have both been withdrawn from Northampton Saints’ side to face Union Bordeaux-Bègles in the Investec Champions Cup this afternoon through injury.

“Smith is replaced at fly-half by Anthony Belleau (No.10), while Ramm’s place in the matchday 23 will be taken by Toby Thame (No.23).”

Smith’s absence hands the reins to Anthony Belleau, while Toby Thame comes onto the bench in place of Ramm for the Champions Cup heavyweight clash.

REVISED NORTHAMPTON SAINTS TEAM

Danilo Fischetti
Craig Wright
Trevor Davison
Alex Coles
JJ van der Mescht
Callum Chick (c)
Tom Pearson
Henry Pollock
Alex Mitchell
Anthony Belleau
Ollie Sleightholme
Rory Hutchinson
Tommy Freeman
Edoardo Todaro
George Hendy

Replacements:
16. Robbie Smith
17. Emmanuel Iyogun
18. Elliot Millar Mills
19. Ed Prowse
20. Chunya Munga
21. Sam Graham
22. Archie McParland
23. Toby Thame