Saints defeat Castres 51-16, advance to semi-finals against Leinster

Northampton Saints triumphed over Castres Olympique with a dominant 51-16 victory in the Investec Champions Cup quarter-finals, securing their spot in a semi-final against Leinster in Dublin. Club captain George Furbank marked his return from injury with two assists and a try, significantly impacting the game after being thrust into action early on due to another player's injury. Young star Henry Pollock also shone, scoring two tries and showcasing his potential as a future British and Irish Lions selection. The Saints led 20-13 at halftime and pulled away decisively in the second half, demonstrating their attacking prowess and teamwork. Coach Phil Dowson expressed satisfaction with the performance and emphasized the importance of maintaining this form as they prepare for their upcoming Premiership matches. The semi-final against Leinster will be a rematch from last year's tournament, where Northampton narrowly lost.