"Owe the supporters one" – Fraser Dingwall vows for Northampton Saints victory over Clermont in Champions Cup

Yesterday at 11:45 AM

By Ben Grundy

Fraser Dingwall thinks Northampton Saints “owe the fans one”, in their upcoming game against Clermont in the Champions Cup Round of 16, after a poor run of home form.

The Saints host the French outfit on Saturday, April 2, 2025, and the England wing-come-centre praised the Pro 14 team's ability.

 "They have a very strong set piece, and they pride themselves on their physicality and how dominant they can be upfront, and they have some talented players in their backline," said Dingwall.

The Premiership Champions have struggled to pick up form at the Gardens recently after a shock Premiership Rugby Cup exit to Ealing Trailfinders and a bruising derby day defeat, where Saints did not score a single point at home, which last happened in 1988.

The Saints’ stand-in captain said his squad wants to repay the crowd for their loyalty through the tough times.

Dingwall said: “Unfortunately, the last two home games haven't been great and even more so, after the Leicester game, I think as a squad, we feel like we owe the supporters one."

Director of Rugby Phil Dowson shares his player's desire to win and said the performance of his squad needs to be better.

"We love playing in Europe as a team and we love the competition, but we know that we are going to have to play better than we have been.

"It's an exciting opportunity and we have worked really hard for it," said Dowson.

Ahead of their visit to the Gardens, the Saints boss highlighted the physical threat that he believes Clermont will bring to the east midlands.

"They have a massive (forward) pack, with a huge maul threat. They maul and scrum for outcomes non-stop and have a very talented backline, so we know we have to be on our best form," said Dowson.

Saints' fly-half Fin Smith returns to selection after mandatory leave, however, club captain George Furbank remains sidelined for the game, where if Saints win, they will progress into the last eight of the competition.

EDITORS PICKS:

• England star could join Six Nations rivals following lengthy exile
• Maro Itoje confirms shock move ahead of 2025 British & Irish Lions tour
• Team of the Week: Premiership Rugby Round 13
• Manu Tuilagi now odds on to make the British & Irish Lions squad

QUIZ: Can you name every player from England's 2003 Rugby World Cup squad?

This quiz tests your knowledge of that heralded group of 22 players who took on and beat the Wallabies in their own backyard on November 22, 2003.

Some of these are significantly easier than others.

The post “Owe the supporters one” – Fraser Dingwall vows for Northampton Saints victory over Clermont in Champions Cup appeared first on Ruck.