Dingwall returns to captain Saints in clash with Scarlets

January 16, 2026
126
Ultimate Rugby

Fraser Dingwall will lead Northampton in their final Investec Champions Cup pool match this term, with Scarlets the opposition at a sold-out cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens on Sunday (18 January, kick-off: 3.15pm).

The men in Black, Green and Gold were defeated for the first time in the competition last time out, when they fell 50-28 to reigning champions Union Bordeaux-Bégles in France.

That result sees Saints sit third in Pool 4 after three rounds and – despite Phil Dowson’s side having already secured their place in the Champions Cup knock-out stages – means Saints must gain maximum points against their Welsh guests on Sunday if they are to secure a home Round-of-16 tie.

Returning captain Dingwall skippers Saints from the centres at cinch Stadium, joining British & Irish Lion Tommy Freeman (who scored one of Northampton’s four tries last weekend) in the midfield.

Outside them, England’s Ollie Sleightholme and Italy’s Edoardo Todaro start the clash on Saints’ wings, with James Ramm recovering from the knock that kept him out against Bordeaux to feature at fullback for the first time this season.

Saints remain unchanged in the half-backs against Scarlets, as Anthony Belleau stays on at fly-half and England and Lions scrum-half Alex Mitchell makes his ninth Saints start of the season.

Robbie Smith – who penned a new deal to remain at cinch Stadium earlier this week – is one of two changes to Northampton’s front row, coming in at hooker to join incoming Emmanuel Iyogun and Trevor Davison, who start at loosehead and tighthead prop respectively.

Chunya Munga shifts into the starting XV against Scarlets, starting at lock alongside JJ Van Der Mescht in Round 4, while Josh Kemeny recovers to start at flanker on Sunday, joining fellow flanker Sam Graham and No.8 Henry Pollock in the back row.

There are two potential milestones for Saints amongst the replacements, as Tom Lockett is primed for both his return from injury and his 50th appearance in Black, Green and Gold on Sunday, while James Pater is set to make his European debut should he enter the action.

NORTHAMPTON SAINTS vs SCARLETS

Investec Champions Cup, Round 4

Sunday 18 January, 2026

cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens

Kick-off: 3.15pm

15 James Ramm

14 Edoardo Todaro

13 Tommy Freeman

12 Fraser Dingwall (c)

11 Ollie Sleightholme

10 Anthony Belleau

9 Alex Mitchell