James Pater set for Champions Cup debut as Saints shake things up

Rising star James Pater is one of four Northampton players in line to make their Investec Champions Cup debuts after being named in Saints’ starting XV for the visit of Cardiff this Sunday.

Pater, 19, who has scored five tries in five appearances from full-back this season, has been handed the No.15 jersey against the Welsh region after a string of impressive displays.

Josh Taylor is set for his first taste of rugby at this level as the starting openside, while prop Ion Neculai and back-row Charlie Ulcoq are primed to make their maiden appearances from the bench.

Ollie Sleightholme, fresh from last week’s hat-trick in the 71-48 humping of Bath, and George Hendy join Pater in the back three, while the midfield consists of Toby Thame and Rory Hutchinson.

French fly-half Anthony Belleau makes his first start of the season as he partners scrum-half Alex Mitchell in the half-backs, with Fin Smith and Archie McParland held in reserve.

No.8 Callum Chick captains Saints from the back row, where he is joined by Taylor on one flank and Josh Kemeny on the other.

In front of them, a refreshed tight five sees Danilo Fischetti, Robbie Smith and Tom Lockett come into the starting XV at loosehead prop, hooker, and lock respectively – with tighthead prop Cleopas Kundiona and lock JJ Van Der Mescht retaining their spots alongside them.

Northampton team vs Cardiff, Sunday 18 October, 2026, KO 17:30pm, DPD Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens

15 James Pater
14 Ollie Sleightholme
13 Rory Hutchinson
12 Toby Thame
11 George Hendy
10 Anthony Belleau
9 Alex Mitchell

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)

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