Northampton Saints scored 71 points last weekend. Now they're opening Europe without four of their biggest England stars.

The reigning Gallagher PREM champions welcome Cardiff Rugby to Franklin's Gardens on Sunday, Oct. 18, for their 2026-27 Investec Champions Cup opener. Northampton has rested Henry Pollock, Tommy Freeman, Alex Coles and Manny Iyogun, while Cardiff welcomes Wales international Taulupe Faletau back from injury.

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Saints director of rugby Phil Dowson has made seven changes, handing Anthony Belleau his first start of the season at fly-half while Fin Smith begins on the bench. Nineteen-year-old James Pater starts at fullback after scoring five tries in five appearances this season.

Cardiff has made nine changes, with Faletau set for his first appearance since March. Dafydd Hughes captains the visitors, Jarrod Evans makes his first start since returning to Cardiff and Josh Adams is among the replacements.

Here are the confirmed lineups, kickoff details and how to watch.

Northampton vs. Cardiff Kickoff Time

• Date: Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026

• Kickoff: 12:30 p.m. ET

• Venue: DPD Stadium at Franklin's Gardens, Northampton, England

• Competition: Investec Champions Cup, Round 1

• Pool: 3

How To Watch Northampton vs. Cardiff

Northampton Saints vs. Cardiff Rugby will stream live on FloRugby and the FloSports app in the United States.

Kickoff is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, Oct. 18. Fans can watch live or on demand with a FloRugby subscription.

Northampton Saints Starting Lineup vs. Cardiff Rugby

1. Danilo Fischetti

2. Robbie Smith

3. Cleopas Kundiona

4. Tom Lockett

5. JJ van der Mescht

6. Josh Kemeny

7. Josh Taylor

8. Callum Chick (c)

9. Alex Mitchell

10. Anthony Belleau

11. George Hendy

12. Toby Thame

13. Rory Hutchinson

14. Ollie Sleightholme

15. James Pater

Northampton Replacements

16. Curtis Langdon

17. Jordan Els

18. Ion Neculai

19. Ed Prowse

20. Charlie Ulcoq

21. Archie McParland

22. Fin Smith

23. Fraser Dingwall

Cardiff Rugby Starting Lineup vs. Northampton Saints

1. Danny Southworth

2. Dafydd Hughes (c)

3. Sam Wainwright

4. Tom Manz

5. Rory Thornton

6. Semisi Paea

7. Dan Thomas

8. Taulupe Faletau

9. Aled Davies

10. Jarrod Evans

11. Tom Bowen

12. Steffan Emanuel

13. Harri Millard

14. Mason Grady

15. Matty Young

Cardiff Replacements

16. Evan Lloyd

17. Rhys Barratt

18. Joe Cowell

19. Josh McNally

20. Lucas de la Rua

21. Johan Mulder

22. Callum Sheedy

23. Josh Adams

Can I Watch Rugby All Year On FloRugby?

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FloRugby streams competitions including the Investec Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, United Rugby Championship, Gallagher PREM Rugby and Top 14, subject to regional availability.

Visit the FloRugby schedule to see upcoming matches.

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