Exeter Chiefs Triumph Over Saracens to Secure Play-Off Spot, Bath Claims Home Advantage
Henry Slade spearheaded the Exeter Chiefs to a decisive 32-12 victory over Saracens, clinching the final Gallagher Premiership play-off position. Slade scored a pivotal try in the 47th minute, alongside three conversions and two penalties, while teammates Max Norey, Andrea Zambonin, and Stephen Varney also crossed the line. The Chiefs demonstrated resilience after a challenging second quarter, ultimately ending Saracens' five-match winning streak. Despite missing Immanuel Feyi-Waboso due to injury, Exeter established dominance on a windy day at Sandy Park, finishing the regular season in third place. They are set to face Bath at the Recreation Ground on Saturday for a spot in the final. The loss marked the end of Mark McCall's 15-year tenure as Saracens' director of rugby, as he prepares to step down. In another match, Bath Rugby secured home advantage in the play-offs after narrowly defeating Leicester Tigers 24-22. Thomas du Toit shone with a hat-trick, supported by Joe Cokanasiga and fly-half Santi Carreras, who added two conversions. Despite a fierce challenge from Leicester, who scored through Orlando Bailey, Jack van Poortvliet, and George Pearson, Bath held firm to secure second place behind Northampton and aim for their third consecutive final appearance. Gloucester clinched their Champions Cup spot with a commanding 54-21 win over Newcastle, with Ben Redshaw netting a hat-trick. Meanwhile, Sale Sharks ensured their place with a solid 38-17 victory over an understrength Bristol. In a positive farewell, Tom Lawday scored for Harlequins, edging out Northampton 38-31.
Source: The Independent Sport - 2026-06-06