Hendy double powers Northampton to second Prem title in three years

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George Hendy scores two quick-fire tries as Northampton win Prem final - David Rogers/Getty Images

George Hendy, the Northampton Saints wing, may have yet to convince the England coaching staff that he is worthy of an international call, but one aspect of his game that is not in doubt is his finishing instinct.

It was the 23-year-old’s two tries in the space of three minutes during the second half of this error-strewn but thrilling Gallagher Prem final that clinched a second title in three years for Phil Dowson’s side.

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Appropriately, Henry Pollock won the last turnover penalty to halt Exeter’s last hope of a revival. Pollock had another storming game and was named man-of-the-match, but he was fortunate not to have received a card for a high, no-arms tackle on Campbell Ridl, when the game was still in the balance.

Northampton are worthy champions. They have played the best brand of rugby this season and finished top of the table, but Exeter made them work much harder than they would have expected. The revival of the Chiefs under Rob Baxter has been the story of the campaign and they will look back at several key moments when the game ultimately got away from them. 

The final, played in muggy and draining conditions, may have lacked the quality of previous showdowns, but the capacity crowd at the Allianz Stadium were still treated to a riveting contest that at one stage looked to be heading Exeter’s way until Hendy struck with his double.

At the time Exeter had been leading 17-14, having clawed themselves back into the contest with tries by Ridl, Josh Iosefa-Scott and Dafydd Jenkins. Northampton had set the pace in the first half with tries by Tommy Freeman and Fin Smith, but the tide looked to have turned as the game entered the final quarter.

But when Jenkins was sent to the sin bin for a high tackle, Saints took full advantage, with first Hendy finishing in the tightest of circumstances after breaks by Freeman and Rory Hutchinson, and again when Smith chipped behind the Exeter defence.

Smith’s conversion of the second Hendy try took their lead beyond two scores and there was no way back for Exeter.

05:25pm

Celebration time

Northampton win their second title in three seasons - Steve Paston/PA05:23pm

Post-match thoughts of Fraser Dingwall

“There is so much that has gone into this year. It is a massive squad effort and more than just the boys who played today. We wanted to give the players who are leaving a proper send-off. This squad fights and works for each other. Our attack does a lot of good stuff but you have to back it up with defence. These fans are unbelievable and you see how much they care about this club.”

05:21pm

George Furbank speaking to TNT Sports

The full-back has captained Northampton to this title and moves on to Harlequins this summer. 

“Those last 10 minutes I was watching the clock go down. I do not know how to feel, probably more relief, but I will enjoy tonight. It has been a tough week and just tried to stay focused on the game and not getting distracted. I have loved every minute of these last 10 years and it has been a hell of a journey. To finish on this high is pretty special. This club has given my everything; opportunity, friendships for life. I owe this club a lot. It has been some journey.”

05:17pm

Player ratings

Charles Richardson and Fiona Tomas have had their say on both sides today and you can take a look at their player ratings right here.

05:15pm

Man of the match Henry Pollock

05:14pmVideo

Trophy time

Before the winners head up to get their hands on the trophy, the Exeter players have to trudge up the steps to receive their runners-up medals. It has been an incredible turnaround for Exeter from where they were a year ago, when they finished ninth last season.

Then it is the turn of the winners Northampton to head up those steps at HQ to lift the Prem trophy for the second time in three seasons.

Last up is Northampton captain George Furbank, who gets to lift the trophy after his final game as a Saint. They had to make their way up the steps to get their medals but head back down to the pitch to lift the trophy. It is a pretty heavy trophy these days but Furbank lifts the trophy above his head whilst the pyrotechnics go off.

A second Prem title for Northampton in three seasons - David Rogers/Getty Images05:07pm

Two titles in three years

05:02pmReaction

Verdict at FT

It is hard to deny that Northampton were worthy winners, even if they were not at their clinical best. The two key moments that turned the game were Dafydd Jenkins’ sin-binning with George Hendy scoring two tries during that period. Also the introduction of JJ van der Mescht enabled Saints to start dominating the collisions. What an achievement by Phil Dowson and his coaching team on the third lowest salary spend in the league.

04:57pmVideo

Northampton are 2025/26 Gallagher Prem champions

Exeter win a penalty inside the Northampton and should kick for goal to make it a one-score game but take a quick tap.

Northampton then steal possession and boot the ball out to bring the final to an end. For the second time in three years, Northampton are crowned champions of England.

Delight for Northampton, despair for Exeter.

04:56pm

79 mins: Northampton 26 Exeter 17

Exeter win a scrum penalty inside their own half and Varney quickly takes the kick, which goes into touch inside the Northampton 22.

We enter the final minute.

04:54pm

77 mins: Northampton 26 Exeter 17

Smith’s kick is on target but does not quite have enough legs on it and it comes up just short. It still took a minute off the clock.

04:53pm

76 mins: Northampton 26 Exeter 17

After a long spell of possession for Exeter, Northampton eventually win a penalty on halfway and that feels like it could be the game.

Northampton will go for goal...

04:51pm

75 mins: Northampton 26 Exeter 17

Exeter go through a number of phases around halfway but are pushed back by the Northampton defence. The seconds are also ticking by as Exeter are forced to kick.

04:50pm

74 mins: Northampton 26 Exeter 17

Time is running out for Exeter, who need more than one score to win. Just six minutes remain.

04:46pm

70 mins: Northampton 26 Exeter 17

That is a huge collision. Pollock tries to intercept a pass from Ikitau inside to Ridl but ends up taking out the Exeter winger. Was it purely accidental or should Pollock still be penalised for taking Ridl out? The officials deem it a rugby incident and play will resume with just a scrum.

04:44pm

69 mins: Northampton 26 Exeter 17

Both of those Hendy tries were scored with Jenkins still in the bin. That was such a costly yellow for Exeter’s captain, who has not come back on at the end of the yellow card as Vintcent comes on.

04:42pmTries • Video

TRY! Hendy at the double

Northampton go bang bang and could that be the victory sealed with just over 10 minutes to go? Northampton are on the attack inside the Exeter 22 and Smith spots no-one in behind the Exeter defensive line. He puts in a grubber kick and Hendy races onto it to score his second try in quick succession. Smith converts it.

Fin Smith has not had his best game by a long shot but he has proved his clutch mentality with a grubber assist for George Hendy’s second try before nailing a touchline conversion. Saints now lead by nine, but Exeter will still believe

04:38pmTries • Key moments • Video

TRY! Hendy over in the corner

Northampton are back in front. Following Freeman’s initial break to the Exeter 22, Hutchinson is then brought down just shy of the Exeter line. Northampton come to the blindside and Henry goes over right in the corner, despite Ridl’s last-ditch tackle. Smith’s conversion goes just wide of the right upright.

04:34pmAnalysis

62 mins: Northampton 14 Exeter 17

This is such an attritional contest and both sides have the bit between their teeth. You can sense Exeter are growing in confidence after halting Saints’ momentum, which isn’t being helped by another hydration break. After the end of a gruelling season, fitness is going to come into play in this final quarter.

04:33pm

61 mins: Northampton 14 Exeter 17

Northampton are back up to 15 men as Kemeny returns from his period in the bin.

04:31pm

60 mins: Northampton 14 Exeter 17

At the second-half water break, Northampton make a change in the backs as Dingwall comes on for Litchfield.

04:28pm

58 mins: Northampton 14 Exeter 17

Northampton win the lineout inside the Exeter 22 and set the maul. It rolls towards the Exeter line but Northampton fail to use it and Exeter then win the scrum.

04:26pmKey moments

56 mins: Northampton 14 Exeter 17

How big a moment is that? Northampton think they have scored but it is knocked on. Pollock’s pass puts Coles straight through a gap and Northampton are racing towards the Exeter 22. Coles then finds Mitchell, who looks destined to score, but he knocks on inches from the line. That was a terrific try-saving tackle from Ridl to deny Mitchell.

Will Alex Mitchell live to regret this mistake? - Steve Paston/PA

However, we are going to go back to look at a possible high tackle from Jenkins. It looked high in real time and now the TMO is taking a look. Furbank stumbles into the tackle but Jenkins is high. There is direct head contact but there is mitigation as Furbank was falling. It is given as a yellow card as the tackle was passive and that feels like the right call. Jenkins was on the receiving end of that high tackle from Kemeny but now commits a high tackle of his own. Both sides are now down to 14 men.

04:22pmAnalysis

55 mins: Northampton 14 Exeter 17

That is a wasted chance by Northampton. After a great break from van der Mescht into the Exeter 22, Northampton have numbers out to the left but Smith goes to the crossfield kick, which does not work.

It might, at times, have resembled watching the Benny Hill XV against the Keystone Cops but there’s a thrilling finish in store here.

04:21pm

54 mins: Northampton 14 Exeter 17

Northampton have brought on the unit that is van der Mescht.

04:18pmTries • Key moments • Video

TRY! Jenkins powers over for Exeter

For the first time in this final, Exeter hit the front and they immediately take advantage of the man advantage. From the lineout, they make good ground from the first phase and then recycle it back across the grain quickly. Jenkins recovers from that tackle by Kemeny and runs onto a pass at pace to score. Slade adds the extras and Exeter lead by three.

04:17pmKey moments • Analysis

51 mins: Northampton 14 Exeter 10

This could be a pivotal moment in this final as the TMO steps in to check a possible high shot. Jenkins has blood on his face and the replays explain why. There is head-on-head contact as Kemeny attempted to tackle Jenkins. Jenkins dipped into the tackle but, as we know with the rules nowadays, the duty is on the tackler to get low. They deem it to be a yellow card and Kemeny is sent to the bin. There is foul play but the majority of contact is through the shoulder. Should that have just been a penalty? Will Exeter be able to take advantage of the man advantage?

After the red-hot, all-action first half, it feels like the temperature has dropped both in the stands and on the pitch. Exeter will take a lot of momentum from their latest goalstand as well as a harsh yellow card for Josh Kemeny for a head-on-head with Jenkins who seemed to dip into the flanker’s shoulder 

04:14pmAnalysis

50 mins: Northampton 14 Exeter 10

Exeter’s displaying the kind of defensive energy that kept Bath after 40 phases in the play-off. It is making his error-strewn game so compelling.  Northampton’s accuracy is not quite on point, but that is a reflection of Exeter’s pressure.

04:13pm

49 mins: Northampton 14 Exeter 10

Northampton change their entire front-row, which feels like the right call as Exeter have been getting the edge at scrum time.

04:13pm

48 mins: Northampton 14 Exeter 10

Exeter have made a change in their pack as Tshiunza, who will join Sale this summer, replaces E Roots.

04:12pm

47 mins: Northampton 14 Exeter 10

Northampton have numbers out wide to the right attacking inside the Exeter half and Hendy sends a long pass out to Litchfield. The centre makes a good break into the Exeter 22 and then tries to find Hutchinson outside him. The ball goes forward and Hutchinson picks up, scoring in the corner. The on-field decision is try but correctly that decision is overturned as the ball clearly went forward from Litchfield as he was tackled by Skinner.

04:09pm

46 mins: Northampton 14 Exeter 10

Exeter have changed their props as Burger and Tchumbadze come on. That means that Exeter have now changed their entire front-row. Burger and Tchumbadze both had a big impact off the bench last week in the win over Bath.

04:07pm

45 mins: Northampton 14 Exeter 10

Northampton are into double digits for phases inside the Exeter 22 and are knocking on the door but the ball is knocked on and Exeter clear. Northampton looked like scoring but somehow Exeter survive, displaying the same resilience they did at the death at Bath a week ago.

04:04pm

42 mins: Northampton 14 Exeter 10

Exeter win a scrum penalty on their 10-metre line and kick towards the Northampton 22. Can Dweba sort out his lineout woes? No as Northampton steal it. This is a problem for Exeter, even though they scored that try just before half-time from an errant lineout throw.

04:02pm

Second half

After the half-time whistle, the TV cameras picked up Slade staying out doing some kicking practice having missed two conversions in the first half.

We are back under way at Allianz Stadium. Will it be Northampton or Exeter celebrating in 40 minutes’ time? Most of the teams that have led at half-time in Prem finals have gone on to win but Exeter will be hoping to buck that trend.

03:56pmAnalysis

Another comeback on the cards?

There’s no point in pretending that was the greatest half of the season. Far too many errors from both teams who have left around 5 tries between them on the pitch. Northampton own a narrow 14-10 lead and I would still peg them as favourites. Can comeback kings Exeter go to the well one more time?

03:53pmAnalysis

Verdict at HT

This is on a knife edge. Northampton keep threatening to break clear, but Exeter keep clawing them back, even after squandering several chances. Against Bath Rob Baxter’s side hunted down a 16-point deficit in the second half of the play-offs, here the deficit is just four points after Iosefa-Scott’s try from a line-out just before half-time. Northampton’s scrum could prove their unlikely platform for victory, as they have enjoyed the edge in the first half, but Exeter will back their bench to turn that around. 

03:51pmAnalysis

Nerves perhaps?

This has been a million miles off the free-wheeling final that many predicted. A litany of errors, neither side managing to get beyond five or six phases, and quite low-scoring. Just as I type, Exeter have pulled a try back, amazingly, from a botched line-out. Straight off the, erm, training ground?

03:46pm

Half-time

Theat is the final act of the half and at the break Northampton lead 14-10.

03:45pmTries • Key moments • Video

TRY! Iosefa-Scott powers over

The Exeter lineout does not go to plan but Iosefa-Scott still manages to score. The throw from Dweba is not great but the ball ends up coming to Iosefa-Scott at the back of the lineout. He catches and powers his way through a couple of Northampton defenders to score. The conversion is missed.

03:45pm

38 mins: Northampton 14 Exeter 5

Exeter keep the ball inside the Northampton half and are rewarded for their patience. Ikitau makes the break down the right wing and offloads inside to Woodburn as Exeter enter the Northampton 22. They then win themselves a penalty on the Northampton 22 and Slade will kick into the corner. A try now for Exeter on the stroke of half-time would be big.

03:38pmTries • Video

TRY! Northampton extend lead through Smith

The fly-half goes over for Northampton’s second try of the final. After Langdon is brought down just shy of the line after a strong carry, Northampton recycle the ball quickly and Smith powers through the tackle of Exeter scrum-half Varney to score. Smith then converts his own try and Northampton lead by nine.

Olly Woodburn has reinvented himself at fullback this season for Exeter but he’s looked defensively vulnerable this half. When Alex Coles made that break into the red zone in the build up to Fin Smith’s try you sensed Saints would break Chief’s resistance and come away with something.  

03:35pm

29 mins: Northampton 7 Exeter 5

Coles makes a great break for Northampton from around halfway to take them into the Exeter 22. A few phases later, Feyi-Waboso looks to have claimed a crucial interception but has knocked on in the act and Northampton will have the scrum.

03:33pmAnalysis

27 mins: Northampton 7 Exeter 5

Exeter win the lineout and set the maul, which rolls towards the Northampton line. However, Dweba is held up over the line as he could not quite get the ball to the ground.

There are so many compelling subplots to this final so far, and one unlikely one is the impact Ethan Roots is having. The Exeter openside flanker may not have the profile of Henry Pollock, but his work-rate and heavy tackling is proving a real point of difference. One hit on Fin Smith, which forced a turnover, created the platform which almost led to Exeter’s second try, when they were held up over the line from a driving maul. 

03:32pm

26 mins: Northampton 7 Exeter 5

That is an absolutely thunderous hit from E Roots on Smith, who looks in a huge amount of pain. That is a rib-cruncher and a perfectly legal tackle. A few moments later, Exeter win the penalty inside the Northampton half and Northampton are marched back 10 metres for dissent.

The TMO thinks there was a tackle off the ball from E Roots but referee Matthew Carley does not agree. I am not sure what angles Carley was looking at as that looked a clear tackle off the ball.

Anyway, Slade takes Exeter into the Northampton 22.

03:27pm

23 mins: Northampton 7 Exeter 5

Straight off the water break, Northampton’s pack dominates at scrum time and wins the penalty. However, the kick does not make touch.

03:24pmAnalysis

22 mins: Northampton 7 Exeter 5

In these warmer conditions, we will have a water break.

Supporters booing the hydration break feels unduly harsh. Even outside of the direct sunlight, it feels oppressively hot and the game is being played at a ferocious lick. It has been a bit ragged at times but a compelling contest so far.

03:24pm

21 mins: Northampton 7 Exeter 5

That is brilliant from Varney. From an Exeter scrum inside their own half, Varney puts the kick in behind into space and the ball bounces just inside the whitewash inside the Northampton 22 for a 50:22, 10 metres from the Northampton line.

However, Dweba’s darts are not great and Exeter lose the lineout before Northampton clear their lines.

03:20pm

18 mins: Northampton 7 Exeter 5

Nearly a second calamitous moment of the half for Woodburn and Exeter. A kick ahead into the Exeter 22 is not dealt with by Woodburn and allows Hendy to race onto it. It is a simple two-on-one for Northampton but Furbank drops Hendy’s pass.

03:16pm

14 mins: Northampton 7 Exeter 5

How big a moment could this be? Exeter look destined to score but Varney is hauled down just shy of the Northampton line by a great tackle from Freeman. Moments later Exeter are penalised for going off their feet. 

03:15pm

12 mins: Northampton 7 Exeter 5

Exeter nearly have their second try in just a few minutes. Northampton knock on inside their own half and Slade kicks ahead. He shows great football skills to continue to kick ahead and looks to gather it just before the Northampton line but knocks on at the crucial moment. Slade was complaining that he was tackled by Furbank just before he went to pick it up but I suspect even if Slade had scored that they would have gone back for a potential knock-on by Exeter in the build-up.

03:14pm

11 mins: Northampton 7 Exeter 5

Exeter were forced into an early change and now Northampton are. McParland, who has been excellent this season, appears to have a cut to his knee and is in real pain. He limps off and is replaced by England and Lions scrum-half Mitchell, who was a major doubt for this game just a week ago. How will he fitness be having barely played in weeks? He will have to play 70 minutes of this game now.

Saints suddenly at sixes and sevens after their bright start. Campbell Ridl has capitalised upon Tommy Freeman’s no look pass and they could easily have conceded two more tries. To make matters worse they have lost scrum half Archie McParland to injury meaning Alex Mitchell, who is only just returned from his own lay-off, will have to do more than an hour.

Both teams have now been forced into changes due to injury - Peter Nicholls/Getty Images03:13pmTries • Key moments • Video

TRY! Ridl strikes back for Exeter

It had been all Northampton thus far but Exeter get their first try of the game. Ikitau intercepts a pass on the left wing around halfway and his offload to Ridl is sublime. Ridl then has the speed to race down the left touchline to score in the corner. The conversion is missed.

Campbell Ridl will warm all the plaudits for that Chiefs leveller but you have to give credit to Stephen Varney, who marshalled Tommy Freeman on his wing superbly and pressured him into flinging the ball back inside to nobody.

03:11pmAnalysis

9 mins: Northampton 7 Exeter 0

Exeter, inside the opening ten minutes, have been forced into a change as hooker Norey is helped off injured. Dweba is on and will know he is going to have to play just over 70 minutes of the game now. Exeter then lose Dweba’s first lineout.

Exeter’s line-out has already creaked so far and sight of hooker Max Norey limping off in the ninth minute is a further setback. His replacement Joseph Dweba is not known for his darts.  

03:08pm

8 mins: Northampton 7 Exeter 0

That is poor from Exeter. They are in possession on the fringes of their own 22 and should exit but get it all wrong as Pearson gets over the ball quickly at the breakdown and wins Northampton the penalty. Smith puts it into the corner.

Northampton then think they have scored but Pollock, after showing good power through the tackle, is held up over the line by Feyi-Waboso. Referee Matthew Carley is quick to signal that it was held up.

03:06pm

5 mins: Northampton 7 Exeter 0

Exeter make their first foray ball in hand into the Northampton 22 but the ball is stripped by Pollock before Northampton clear.

03:02pmKey moments • Tries • Video

TRY! Freeman capitalises on huge Exeter error

110 seconds into the final, Northampton strike first and it is an absolute gift. McParland puts a kick ahead into the Exeter 22 but both Woodburn and Feyi-Waboso go for the same ball. They run into each other and the ball just falls right into the lap of Freeman on the Exeter line for the easiest of finishes. Smith adds the extras and Northampton make the perfect start. Disastrous first two minutes for Exeter.

Northampton in front inside two minutes. A wicked grubber through by Archie McParland results in Olly Woodburn and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso colliding with each other and Tommy Freeman colliding. Very similar to the early try they scored against Leicester in the semi-final. Pollock also at the heart of the early action

03:02pmAnalysis

1 min: Northampton 0 Exeter 0

The first penalty of the game goes the way of Northampton as Exeter fail to roll away on the Northampton 10-metre line. Smith takes play up towards the Exeter 22 with a fantastic kick.

First high ball by Saints won by George Hendy ahead of Manny Feyi-Waboso. Expect Northampton to target the England wing in the air all afternoon.

03:00pm

Kick-off

Former England and Leicester man Lewis Moody is on hand to give referee Matthew Carley the match ball.

The 2026 Gallagher Prem final is officially under way. Will it be Northampton or Exeter celebrating in a couple of hours’ time?

02:58pm

Reminder of the teams

Northampton Saints starting XV: 15 George Furbank (captain), 14 Tommy Freeman, 13 Tom Litchfield, 12 Rory Hutchinson, 11 George Hendy, 10 Fin Smith, 9 Archie McParland; 1 Emmanuel Iyogun, 2 Curtis Langdon, 3 Elliot Millar Mills, 4 Alex Coles, 5 Ed Prowse, 6 Josh Kemeny, 7 Tom Pearson, 8 Henry Pollock.

Replacements: 16 Craig Wright, 17 Danilo Fischetti, 18 Luke Green, 19 JJ Van Der Mescht, 20 Tom Lockett, 21 Callum Chick, 22 Alex Mitchell, 23 Fraser Dingwall.

Exeter Chiefs starting XV: 15 Olly Woodburn, 14 Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, 13 Henry Slade, 12 Len Ikitau, 11 Campbell Ridl, 10 Harvey Skinner, 9 Stephen Varney, 1 Scott Sio, 2 Max Norey, 3 Josh Iosefa-Scott, 4 Dafydd Jenkins (captain), 5 Andrea Zambonin, 6 Tom Hooper, 7 Ethan Roots, 8 Greg Fisilau.

Replacements: 16 Joseph Dweba, 17 Ethan Burger, 18 Bachuki Tchumbadze, 19 Christ Tshiunza, 20 Ross Vintcent, 21 Kane James, 22 Tom Cairns, 23 Will Haydon-Wood.

02:56pm

Nearly ready for action

How are the nerves of both teams? It is safe to say more of the Northampton players are used to this type of occasion; having played in the final just two years ago and a number of them being England internationals.

Here come the two sides, Northampton led out by captain George Furbank ahead of his final game for the club. The two teams are introduced as such; first the captain, then the forwards, back and lastly the replacements. Exeter came first before Northampton.

Now it is time for the national anthem.

Raucous cheers from the Exeter faithful as Rob Baxter’s side finish their warm up by jogging round the perimeter of the Twickenham pitch. Before heading down the tunnel Henry Slade, their talisman, took a moment to gee up a corner of flag-waving Chiefs fans in the corner. They might be the underdogs this afternoon against a high-flying Saints outfit but after their remarkable comeback last week against Bath, write this team off at your peril.

02:47pmOpinion

Plenty of reaction to Mr Pollock!

As I predicted yesterday, Henry Pollock’s name got the loudest reaction by far when it was read out. It felt like there were more cheers than jeers. My unscientific scanning of the crowd indicates that there are more Saints supporters than Chiefs, but the majority of spectators are likely to be neutral so it will be interesting to see who they get behind.

02:43pm

Northampton favourites?

They were top of the tree for most of the season and finished five points clear at the top as well as nine ahead of Exeter.

Northampton are aiming to win their second Prem title in three season - Steve Paston/PA02:39pm

Baxter was ready to walk away – instead he transformed Exeter again

The footage captured in the Exeter Chiefs dressing room as Tony Rowe, the chairman, addressed the players after their humiliating 79-17 rout by Gloucester at the end of last season was one of the standout moments of that Prem campaign. It would also prove to be the most defining one for this season.

“He is laying down the law!” was the TNT Sports caption of the clip that showed Rowe pointing his finger at his players following the defeat at Kingsholm in April last year. If it looked like an Alex Ferguson “hairdryer” rant, it was far from it. Rowe admits though that some harsh words were said, even if he says they were delivered in a calm manner.

What was not in doubt was that this was the moment that sowed the seeds for the club’s overhaul. Decisions were taken that day that would lead to a campaign that has taken Rob Baxter’s side to their first Prem final since 2021, against Northampton Saints at the Allianz Stadium. And it is one that has surprised even Rowe.

Rob Baxter has overseen a dramatic turnaround at Exeter over the last 12 months - David Rogers/Getty Images02:30pm

Pre-match thoughts of Henry Slade

02:26pm

Anticipation building

Both of these sides have won the Prem in the last six years - Leila Coker/Getty Images02:24pm

Gearing up for the big day

02:19pm

Gavin Mairs: Northampton’s decision to let Furbank go looks misguided

George Furbank is arguably the most influential player in England right now.

The Northampton Saints captain’s spectacular form at the business end of the season has helped propel his side to another Prem final, while the 29-year-old is also seen as a crucial to hopes of reviving England’s fortunes in the Nations Championship next month.

His imminent return to the England squad following Saturday’s final against Exeter Chiefs at Twickenham will add to the intrigue and underscore his status as one of his country’s more important players, even though he has just 14 caps for England, the last of which came against Japan in November 2024.

Will George Furbank finish his Northampton tenure with a trophy? - Leila Coker/Getty Images02:13pm

Who will win today?

Our experts have been having their say on who will come out on top today. Here is what our chief rugby correspondent Gavin Mairs thinks will happen:

Northampton Saints 28 Exeter Chiefs 30

Northampton Saints have been the best team in the league this season, and have played scintillating rugby along the way. That makes them heavy favourites for the final and by all rights, they should claim their second title in three seasons. And yet, the manner in which Exeter defied the odds by beating Bath at the Recreation Ground – even while trailing 26-10 at half-time – shows they have ice in their veins.

They effectively faced a quarter-final match in their final league game, against Saracens, and were similarly able to turn around the game in the second half. Significantly, their pack have the wherewithal to challenge the Saints’s set-piece and Henry Slade is on fire. Baxter has instilled a belief in this side that they can win, and they go into the final without the pressure of being favourites. We should be in for a classic.

02:08pm

Meet Northampton’s most influential signing... who does not play

Phil Dowson, the Northampton director of rugby, rates him as his most influential signing. Players believe that he is the reason the Saints’ collective bond is so tight. And yet very few people outside Franklin’s Gardens would be aware of Oli Dixon, the performance psychologist, or his outsized influence on the team’s record-breaking season.

Dowson has always been fascinated by the role of psychology in sport. Indeed, after Northampton booked their place in Saturday’s Prem final with a 45-31 play-off victory over Leicester Tigers, he said that he loves the art of performing in the biggest moments more than any other aspect of sport.

“You see tennis players get to match point, s----ing their pants and double faulting,” Dowson said. “It happens. We get to a final now and need to think about how we perform under pressure. There is pressure. That is the joy of it. How do people play under that pressure? How do you encourage them to grow and be better at it?”

This is where Dixon comes in. Dowson had experimented with several psychologists before choosing Dixon in 2024 as “the one”, arriving in a job-share arrangement with British Shooting, which he helped prepare for the 2024 Olympics.

02:03pm

The Australian culture at the core of Exeter Chiefs

The city of Exeter is officially twinned with Rennes, Bad Homburg and Terracina, but there are far stronger Devonian outposts in Sydney, Brisbane and Perth.

Rob Baxter, the Chiefs director of rugby, has a penchant for an Australian import: centre Len Ikitau, flanker Tom Hooper, prop Scott Sio and hooker Julian Heaven are the latest in a long line of Australians to head to Sandy Park.

The tradition goes back 14 years, following the arrival of Dean Mumm in 2012. The second row would prove to be one of the most influential signings Baxter ever made, leading the club to their first major silverware in the 2013-14 LV= Cup.

01:55pmOpinion

Enjoying a bit of whisky, Charles?

How the times are a-changing. News just in for the rugby beer-drinkers. The bourbon distillers at Buffalo Trace have done a survey of rugby fans and they reckon that 65 per cent would be interested in whisky drinks during sporting events. Welcome to 2026. 

Walking from Twickenham to the Allianz Stadium now and I haven’t seen much evidence… yet. But I shall keep my eyes peeled.

01:52pm

Henry Pollock relishing life as rugby’s new pantomime villain

It is practically guaranteed that Henry Pollock’s name will garner the loudest reaction – whether cheers or jeers – when it is read out at the Allianz Stadium before the Prem Rugby final on Saturday afternoon.

This suits the Northampton Saints back-rower down to the ground; he revels in the spotlight. Yet being eye-catching is not the same thing as being effective. Last month, Pollock was heartily booed when he came on to the pitch against Leicester at Welford Road and proceeded to act like Scrappy Doo, shadow-boxing with Hanro Liebenberg while generally annoying referee Matthew Carley.

Fast forward to the Prem play-off at Franklin’s Gardens against the same opposition but with much higher stakes. This time Pollock was all business and it was Leicester who got themselves in a muddle trying to provoke a reaction.

How big a role will Henry Pollock play in this final? - David Rogers/Getty Images01:47pm

Final game for Northampton

After today, George Furbank will end his long association with Northampton and join Harlequins this summer.

01:40pm

Last five Prem finals

2025: Bath 23 Leicester 21
2024: Northampton 25 Bath 21
2023: Saracens 35 Sale 25
2022: Leicester 15 Saracens 12
2021: Harlequins 40 Exeter 28

Northampton’s last title came just two years ago in their first final in a decade whilst Exeter’s came in 2020 when they beat Wasps, which formed one half of their double along with the Champions Cup. They did then make the final the next year but lost to Harlequins

01:36pm

Raising money for a great cause

01:32pmKey moments

Teams

England scrum-half Alex Mitchell is back on the bench for Northampton after recovering from a hamstring injury.

Northampton Saints starting XV: 15 George Furbank (captain), 14 Tommy Freeman, 13 Tom Litchfield, 12 Rory Hutchinson, 11 George Hendy, 10 Fin Smith, 9 Archie McParland; 1 Emmanuel Iyogun, 2 Curtis Langdon, 3 Elliot Millar Mills, 4 Alex Coles, 5 Ed Prowse, 6 Josh Kemeny, 7 Tom Pearson, 8 Henry Pollock.

Replacements: 16 Craig Wright, 17 Danilo Fischetti, 18 Luke Green, 19 JJ Van Der Mescht, 20 Tom Lockett, 21 Callum Chick, 22 Alex Mitchell, 23 Fraser Dingwall.

Exeter welcome back England winger Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, just a few weeks after injuring his jaw.

Exeter Chiefs starting XV: 15 Olly Woodburn, 14 Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, 13 Henry Slade, 12 Len Ikitau, 11 Campbell Ridl, 10 Harvey Skinner, 9 Stephen Varney, 1 Scott Sio, 2 Max Norey, 3 Josh Iosefa-Scott, 4 Dafydd Jenkins (captain), 5 Andrea Zambonin, 6 Tom Hooper, 7 Ethan Roots, 8 Greg Fisilau.

Replacements: 16 Joseph Dweba, 17 Ethan Burger, 18 Bachuki Tchumbadze, 19 Christ Tshiunza, 20 Ross Vintcent, 21 Kane James, 22 Tom Cairns, 23 Will Haydon-Wood.

01:28pmKey moments

Who will get their hands on the Prem trophy?

Northampton Saints and Exeter Chiefs battle it out at Allianz Stadium for the Gallagher Prem trophy, having both come through exhilarating semi-finals. These two sides have already been involved in two thrillers during the regular season. On the opening weekend of the season, Exeter came from 33-7 down to draw 33-33 at Franklin’s Gardens. Then, in the reverse fixture at Sandy Park in March, Fin Smith’s try at the death secured Northampton a 35-28 win.

Northampton spent the majority of the season in top spot; since round four, they have spent just two rounds not at the summit, with the last time being round seven, and finished five points clear at the top at the end of the regular season. They faced an east Midlands derby in the semi-finals, hosting Leicester Tigers at Franklin’s Gardens. They were on the better end of a high-scoring affair, winning 45-31, with Tom Litchfield scoring a hat-trick and George Furbank running in two tries in his final home appearance for Northampton. They won the Prem final two years ago when they beat Bath, which was their first appearance in the final for a decade.

George Furbank plays his last game for Northampton this afternoon - David Rogers/Getty Images

“This is a special week and we want to make sure that we enjoy that, but also stick to our guns and rely on what has got us to this point as a group,” Northampton boss Phil Dowson said. “We want to make the occasion special and the performance normal. So many finals are close affairs; we have had two great match-ups with Exeter already this season so I am sure Saturday will be no different.

“We know the quality of Chiefs. We were a long way ahead in that first game of the season and they came back at us, not too dissimilarly to how they did against Bath last weekend. The tenacity, cohesion, and belief that Exeter have has been on show throughout this season. The final is a brand-new game and we will need to be aware of those threats, but our focus is firmly on ourselves. We know the unity of our squad is a huge strength. We also know that you can train for these occasions and these environments; we have just got to trust that training when the pressure comes on.”

Exeter pulled off one of the most impressive comeback victories in recent Prem play-off history. Away from home at defending champions Bath, they found themselves 26-10 down at half-time, only to come back to win 27-26, holding out at the death on their own line for 40 phases. This is Exeter’s first Prem final since losing to Harlequins in 2021 and caps a remarkable turnaround over the last 12 months, having finished ninth in the Prem last season.

“The excitement of days like this, though, is also for some of the guys who have not been in big games like this before, so it is about them getting there and showing the best of themselves,” Exeter DOR Rob Baxter said. “The combination of that energy and emotional control, that will decide whether it is us or Northampton that secures it.

Exeter survived a late onslaught on their line to beat Bath last weekend - David Rogers/Getty Images

“Every team is dangerous with quick ball, and Northampton are probably the most dangerous. We have got to fight in all areas, we cannot give up the ball too much because the way you nullify their attack is by them not having the ball. Ahead of this season, the crucial, most important thing in our DNA that we had to rediscover was that competitiveness that if you cannot win, you draw.

“I think the boys bought into that very early in pre-season, and I think that has been one of those key areas that, having learned it, allowed us to get to the scenario that we did at Bath last weekend. This is going to be a tough game, but the lads are aligned in their purpose. That makes you stronger as a group.”

Kick-off from Allianz Stadium is at 3pm.

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