Fin Smith, Matthieu Jalibert, Henry Pollock, Pete Samu, Tommy Freeman, Louis Bielle-Biarrey and Damian Penaud will be taking centre stage in this Saturday’s Investec Champions Cup Final.
While it’ll be a team’s name that’s forever etched into the historic Investec Champions Cup title on Saturday, the decisive moments may be sparked by individual brilliance.
And with two of club rugby’s finest squads on show, there’ll be no doubt be countless talents will be able to tear up the field and shine brighter than the rest.
But even if Northampton Saints’ breakout talent Henry Pollock or Union Bordeaux-Bègles’ (UBB) record-breaking Damian Penaud have sights set on turning the tide in favour of their team, the duels on offer promise for an unforgettable Final - last tickets available here.
Fly-half frenzy between Fin Smith and Mattiheu Jalibert
Any side’s number 10 is a fundamental source of stability and reliability, helping keep the score tick over even if scoring is proving difficult.
But Saints and UBB certainly won't have any problems in that department come Saturday. Armed with Fin Smith and Matthieu Jalibert, respectively, the two Finalists boast the finest two in the business.
The pair are currently tied in third place for total points scored in this year’s competition (71), with nothing to separate them on penalties scored (8) either. UBB’s Jalibert does have the upper hand over Smith when it comes to conversions (27 vs 21), but Smith’s youthful fearlessness has come in handy on the biggest of stages this season for club and country.
A fascinating battle for the title and bragging rights, either Smith or Jalibert may prove the difference come Saturday.
Back-row bruisers: Henry Pollock vs Pete Samu
Moving forward to the pack and the scrum is a vital cog of any winning side. While both teams have world-renowned talent in the front and second rows, it’s in the back row that an enthralling personal battle promises to take shape.
With the eyes of the rugby world firmly on him, Northampton Saints will be confident in breakthrough star Henry Pollock’s abilities. First for tackles made (96) and turnovers won (18), his seven tries and 22 defenders beaten have all contributed to an Investec Player of the Year nomination. And all that at just 20 years of age.
But lining up for the French side will be Pete Samu. Australian by birth, the back-rower has taken to France and UBB like a duck to water, settling in seamlessly and taking games by the scruff of their neck in his first two seasons. This campaign, his four tries in as many outings, including his decisive cross to set the tone against Stade Toulousain in the semi-final, as well as his genius assist for Louis Bielle-Biarrey in that same match, prove his quick-thinking and quality even when the pressure’s at its highest.
Warriors on the wing: Tommy Freeman, Louis Bielle-Biarrey and Damian Penaud
The wing: the day-to-day office for some of the sport’s most explosive, pacy and nimble players, and it promises to be more vital than ever in this year’s Final.
For Saints, Tommy Freeman has often displayed unmatched levels of wing talent in this year’s tournament. The only player to score a hat-trick in the semi-final, taking his season’s total to nine, which, with his four clean breaks, 115 metres made and five defenders beaten, have meant he’s been too hot to handle most of the time this year.
But who better to line up against him than Louis Bielle-Biarrey and Damian Penaud? The formidable pair have consistently made the headlines this year as their 20 collective tries have arguably led UBB’s Final charge.
Bielle-Biarrey has earned himself countless deserved plaudits as he’s charged, weaved and exploded down wings all over the continent this term. In fact, the youngster has scored at least once in 13 of his 14 appearances in 2025, making him a fundamental part of the UBB fabric.
Things don’t get any weaker on the opposite flank either. Damian Penaud has already made history twice in this year’s tournament with the most tries in one Champions Cup game against the Hollywoodbets Sharks (six), as well as the most in one edition of the tournament (12). His 21 clean breaks only reinforce the dangers he poses going forward.