Gloucester Finally Off the Mark in Premiership
Gloucester Rugby recorded their first Gallagher Premiership victory of the 2025/26 season at the sixth time of asking, delivering a determined 26-15 performance against Harlequins at a relieved Kingsholm. The win, their first in the league since May, was spearheaded by a brilliant double from young full-back Ben Redshaw.
Redshaw Shines in Kingsholm Triumph
The home side monopolised early possession and were rewarded for their pressure, though it was Harlequins who struck first against the run of play in the 10th minute. A pinpoint pass from centre Jarrod Evans found wing Cadan Murley in space, allowing him to cross for a simple finish.
Gloucester's response, however, was immediate and spectacular. Ben Redshaw carved open the Quins defence, beating three players and side-stepping a fourth to score a stunning individual try. Fly-half Ross Byrne added the conversion to nudge Gloucester ahead.
Quins regathered, and skipper Alex Dombrandt powered over for his 50th Premiership try, with Marcus Smith's conversion restoring a 12-7 lead for the visitors. The first half was characterised more by endeavour than quality, accurately reflecting both teams' lowly league positions heading into the match.
Second-Half Blunders Prove Costly for Quins
The game's momentum swung decisively just before half-time. A wild kick from Harlequins wing Rodrigo Isgro from deep inside his own 22 gifted possession to Gloucester, and flanker Lewis Ludlow gathered the loose ball to score on his 250th appearance for the club. Byrne's conversion sent Gloucester into the break with a 14-12 advantage.
A forgettable third quarter followed, but Gloucester sealed the game on the hour mark as Redshaw pounced for his second try of the afternoon. Byrne's successful conversion left Quins with a mountain to climb. Smith landed a penalty to cut the deficit, but any hope of a comeback was extinguished when wing Ollie Thorley crossed for a bonus-point clinching try, highlighting a strong individual display. Quins searched for a losing bonus point as the clock wound down, but Gloucester held firm to get their season finally up and running.
Bristol Demolish Undefeated Northampton
Meanwhile, at Ashton Gate, Northampton Saints' unbeaten start to the Premiership season came to a shuddering halt as they were comprehensively beaten 46-12 by an impressive Bristol Bears.
The match turned on its head after just one minute when Northampton's Edoardo Todaro was shown a red card, leaving his side to play the vast majority of the match with 14 men. Bristol took full advantage, running in six tries in a dominant display.
Scrum-half Kieran Marmion scored two tries, with further touchdowns from Tom Jordan, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Aidan Boshoff, and Luka Ivanishvili. Sam Worsley was accurate from the tee, kicking five conversions and two penalties. Northampton's consolations came from tries by JJ van der Mescht and Tom Litchfield, with Fin Smith adding one conversion.
