Tries: Freeman (2), Smith (32), Hendy (65,68) Conversions: Smith (3,33,69)
Tries: Ridl (10), Iosefa-Scott (40), Jenkins (52) Conversions: Slade (53)
Northampton vs Exeter Gallagher Prem 3:00pm Saturday 20th June
Two George Hendy tries in three final-quarter minutes saw Northampton Saints come from behind to beat Exeter Chiefs 26-17 and clinch the 2026 Prem Rugby title at Twickenham.
Saints were seeking their third Prem crown after previously becoming champions of England in 2014 and 2024, and scored tries through Tommy Freeman and Fin Smith in addition to Hendy's crucial double in the 65th and 68th minutes.
Exeter - who came from 16 points behind to knock out defending champions Bath in the semis - fell 14-5 behind in the contest but hit back through Josh Iosefa-Scott and Dafydd Jenkins tries to lead by three points.
Cameron Ridl had scored the Chiefs' first in a chance-filled first half, but the last of Exeter's tries arrived with Northampton back-row Josh Kemeny in the sin-bin. Once Jenkins joined him after a high tackle offence, Saints took control to fight back and claim glory.
"It's a dream. The season has been so long, I'm just delighted.
"The whole team had pressure, and I thought we rose to that really well. Pressure is a privilege and if you take it in the right way, you can use it to your advantage.
"Exeter were amazing, we knew they were going to come back at us in the second half, and our defence showed up really well.
"My boyhood club, I'm so happy. It's what you dream of as a little kid."
