Northampton Saints secured the Premiership title with a 35-26 victory over Exeter Chiefs at Allianz Stadium, providing a fitting end to a glorious season that saw them dominate as the team of the campaign. Led by the creative brilliance of Fin Smith and the explosive energy of Henry Pollock, the Saints showcased why they have been the masters of divine rugby, blending power and precision to overcome a resilient Exeter side.
First Half: Saints Strike Early but Exeter Fight Back
The match began with Northampton asserting their attacking intent. Tommy Freeman, who finished the season tied at the top of the try-scoring charts, crossed the line in the third minute to give the Saints an early lead. However, Exeter responded swiftly when an ill-advised flick from Freeman was intercepted, allowing Campbell Ridl to score in the 11th minute and level the contest. The first half remained tightly contested, with both sides trading blows, but Northampton's set-piece dominance, anchored by Alex Coles, kept them in control. Fin Smith, though not at his sharpest with passing, orchestrated the attack, and his break set up position for Saints' second try, which he himself scored, giving Northampton a 14-10 halftime lead.
Second Half: Yellow Cards and Turning Points
The second half saw a dramatic shift as yellow cards influenced the outcome. In the 46th minute, Josh Kemeny was shown a yellow card for a collision with Dafydd Jenkins, where the ball-carrier's sudden dip forced the contact. Exeter capitalized immediately, with Jenkins scoring a try off Tom Hooper's pass in the 52nd minute to give the Chiefs their first lead at 17-14. However, six minutes later, Jenkins himself was yellow-carded for a similar incident involving George Furbank, a player nearly a foot shorter. The decision sparked debate, as both cards stemmed from unavoidable accidents, but the rules were applied consistently.
While both teams were reduced to 14 players, Northampton took control. With Kemeny back on the field, the Saints exploited the extra man advantage, working two fine tries for George Hendy down the right flank. Hendy's double, finished with precision, put Northampton ahead 28-17. From there, the Saints' immaculate defence held firm, denying Exeter any further scores until a late consolation try. The final whistle confirmed a 35-26 victory, capping a season where Northampton's quality shone through.
Key Performers: Pollock and Smith Shine
Henry Pollock, just 21 years old, earned the man of the match award with a display of sheer energy, power, and precision. His box-office swagger, combined with his ability to back it up in the furnace of a final, made him a standout. "He is doing all that rugby could ask of such a young talent in the furnace," wrote Michael Aylwin in his analysis. Fin Smith, despite some errant passes, delivered when it mattered most, notably with a chip that set up Hendy's second try just before Jenkins's sin-bin ended. Tommy Freeman, Alex Coles, and the entire Saints backline contributed to a performance that blended creativity with control.
Final Verdict: A Season of Divine Rugby
For rugby enthusiasts, this Northampton side has been a joy to watch, perhaps the most enjoyable in 30 years of the professional era. Unlike the wild entertainment of Harlequins or Bristol, the Saints have been masters of their divine rugby, always in control. The final, while not the heart-in-mouth contest some hoped for, featured outstanding defence and pivotal moments. As Aylwin noted, "If quality is your bag, the 2025-26 season had the 'right' winners indeed." The victory was a fitting end to a season where Northampton proved themselves the team of the season, now with silverware to justify their prowess.
