The top two teams in the 2025 European Rugby Champions Cup meet this weekend at the Principality Stadium, as Northampton Saints face Bordeaux Bègles. It marks Northampton’s fourth appearance in a European final and their first since 2014. For Bordeaux Bègles, this is their first grand final appearance. Who will lift the trophy? Our Northampton vs Bordeaux Bègles predictions guide previews Sunday’s grand finale.
The 30th EPCR Champions Cup final is set for Saturday, 24 May 2025, at Cardiff’s iconic Principality Stadium. This marks the tournament’s eighth return to the Welsh capital, equaling Twickenham’s record of hosting six finals. Before analysing Northampton vs Bordeaux Bègles odds, let’s look at the match’s key details.
| ℹ️ Tournament: | Rugby Union, 2024–25 European Rugby Champions Cup (Grand Final) |
| 🏉 Venue: | Principality Stadium, Cardiff, Wales |
| 🗓️ Date: | 24 May 2025 |
| ⏰ Time: | 13:45 GMT on Saturday |
Before offering our Champions Cup 2025 predictions for the final, here is how European sportsbooks lay out the finalists’ chances of winning the title.
Despite being four-time finalists with a storied Champions Cup history, Northampton enters as underdogs with 3.25 (9/4) odds. Meanwhile, Bordeaux Bègles, who are unbeaten en route to their first-ever final, are favored to win at 1.35 (1/3) odds. The 2025 European Rugby Champions Cup Final odds for the match to result in a draw are seen as a long shot by bookies at 23.00 (22/1).
Both teams have only met once in an official match. Their lone clash occurred in the 2020 European Cup group stage opener, where Bordeaux Bègles narrowly defeated Northampton Saints 16-12.
The 2024 English Premiership champions have made a strong return to the European spotlight. They’ve booked their place in the 2025 Investec Champions Cup final—their first since 2014. Guided by Phil Dowson, the Saints have shown youthful energy, tactical precision, and strong team cohesion this year. Their only defeat came in a high-scoring 45–35 pool-stage match against Stade Français. Since then, they’ve impressed in the knockout rounds with a 46–24 win over Clermont, a 51–16 victory against Castres, and a dramatic 37–34 triumph over Leinster in Dublin.
Tommy Freeman’s first-half hat-trick and Fin Smith’s clutch kicking secured that unforgettable semi-final victory. Northampton’s attack has impressed, averaging over 44 points per knockout game with a reliable set-piece. The coaching team has built a well-balanced squad blending youth and experience seamlessly. Resilient, adaptable, and explosive, the Saints now stand one win away from European glory once again.
Union Bordeaux-Bègles, led by Yannick Bru, has risen from Top 14 challengers to European giants. They enter their first-ever Champions Cup final after an exceptional, unbeaten run through the pool stage. In the knockouts, Bordeaux overpowered Ulster, edged past Munster, and convincingly beat Toulouse 35–18 in the semi-final. Matthieu Jalibert has been the creative heartbeat, orchestrating attacks with flair and precision from fly-half. Alongside him, Maxime Lucu’s leadership and control at scrum-half have kept the team tactically sharp.
Louis Bielle-Biarrey’s excellent pace and two vital semi-final tries show his growing big-match pedigree. Damian Penaud’s availability remains uncertain, and his absence could dent their firepower out wide. Still, Bordeaux’s backline remains potent, though margins for error will be slim in this final. Their forwards have been rugged and disciplined, allowing their backs to dominate. With balance, flair, and grit, Bordeaux arrives in the final with genuine belief and momentum.
Here are our Rugby 2024-25 Champions Cup Final betting tips:
1 (50%)
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Bordeaux’s mix of attacking brilliance and defensive discipline makes them strong 1–12 margin favorites. Their backline, featuring Jalibert and Bielle-Biarrey, can precisely exploit defensive gaps. Northampton’s vulnerabilities were evident in conceding 34 points to Leinster in their semi-final clash.
Bordeaux edged Ulster, Munster, and Toulouse with a scoring margin that averages 15.7 points in the knockout rounds. Notably, their semi-final defeat of reigning champions Toulouse with 35–18 showcased early control and defensive resolve after halftime. So we expect Bordeaux to secure a hard-fought but controlled win, most likely within a 1–12 margin.
2 (100%)
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Bordeaux’s transformation into fast starters has defined their Champions Cup knockout stage dominance this season. While they opened the scoring in just one pool match, they struck first in all three knockouts. Against Ulster, they scored in the 7th minute and built a commanding 21-point lead early. They also grabbed early leads against Munster and Toulouse, setting the tone for each match. On average, Bordeaux’s first knockout-stage tries came by the 6th minute, highlighting their attacking urgency. This early pressure could expose Northampton’s shaky defense and lead to another opening score for Bordeaux.
2 (100%)
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Bordeaux’s ability to start strongly and finish decisively has been a hallmark of their campaign. They won both halves in all three knockout games, maintaining a perfect 100% rate. In the semi-final, they built an early 10-0 lead against Toulouse, 18-11 up at half time before closing the game at 35-18. This pattern of control highlights a team peaking perfectly ahead of the final’s biggest stage. Their unbeaten campaign reflects balance and discipline, unlike Northampton’s inconsistent defending seen against Leinster and Stade Français. Bordeaux is very likely to dominate the final and win both halves.
Our top Northampton vs Bordeaux Bègles Champions Cup Final 2025 betting picks are:
Bordeaux’s unbeaten streak and knockout dominance make them favorites to win the final. Leverage our 2024–25 Investec Champions Cup Final tips to bet on rugby union and win extra cash.
