Northampton Saints secured their second Premiership title in three years with a thrilling victory over Exeter Chiefs at Twickenham. The match, played in sweltering conditions, saw Saints overcome a second-half deficit thanks to two quick tries from wing George Hendy. Hendy, who also set up Alex Mitchell’s clinching try in the 2024 final, proved the difference-maker in a frenetic encounter.
Exeter had taken the lead in the 51st minute through captain Dafydd Jenkins, with Saints down to 14 men after Josh Kemeny’s yellow card. However, Hendy’s double whammy, combined with the energy of Henry Pollock, propelled Saints over the line. The result was a fitting send-off for Saints captain George Furbank, who will join Harlequins this summer.
The match began with Tommy Freeman scoring an early try for Saints after an Exeter mix-up. Chiefs responded through Campbell Ridl, who sprinted 45 metres to score after intercepting a loose pass. The first half ended with Josh Iosefa-Scott crashing over for Exeter, but Henry Slade missed the conversion, leaving Saints 14-12 ahead at the break.
Exeter improved their lineout after a poor first half and went ahead through Jenkins’s try. However, a yellow card for Jenkins for a challenge on Furbank proved costly. Saints capitalised with Hendy’s decisive scores, sealing a 25-21 victory. Furbank lifted the new, heavier trophy, admitting relief at the final whistle.
