Best and Downey to start European Challenge Cup final

Irishmen James Downey and Neil Best will start for Northampton Saints against Bourgoin in the European Challenge Cup final at the Stoop on Friday evening.

It is a solid reward for Clontarf man Downey, an unsung hero of the game, who moved from Connacht three seasons ago to forge a career in the unforgiving environment of the Premiership.

Ulsterman Best has recovered from a lengthy ban for gouging nearer the start of the season to show his qualities as hard-hitting blindside.

Veteran out-half Barry Everitt will be on the bench.

Northampton Saints: B Foden; P Diggin, J Clarke, J Downey, B Reihana [capt]; S Myler, L Dickson; S Tongauiha, D Hartley, E Murray, I Fernandez Lobbe, J Kruger, N Best, S Gray, M Easter.

Bourgoin: A Forest; R Coetzee, M Viazzo, Y David, J Coux; B Boyet, M Parra; A Tchougong, J Genevois, K Wihongi, C Basson, C Levast, J Frier [capt], W Jooste, Y Labrit.