Dafydd Jenkins looks set to delay his return to international rugby after helping Exeter Chiefs secure a place in next week's PREM Rugby final. Jenkins and fellow Welshman Christ Tshiunza were instrumental in Exeter's stunning 27-26 comeback win over Bath, with Tshiunza scoring a brilliant try as his side rallied from a 26-10 halftime deficit to claim victory.
Jenkins Forced to Delay Wales Return
The win sets up a mouth-watering final with Northampton Saints, but also means Jenkins will have to wait before linking up with his Wales teammates. Tshiunza was not included in Steve Tandy's squad for the summer, and his upcoming move to Sale means he would likely be unavailable under the current 25-cap rule. However, he could still be eligible if it is determined he was not made a fair and reasonable offer from a Welsh region.
Wales kick off their summer schedule by facing the Barbarians on June 27 at Twickenham, one week after the PREM Rugby final at the same venue. The semi-final victory rounded off a remarkable turnaround for an Exeter side that endured its worst-ever Premiership campaign last year.
“To look at players on the field fighting to a standstill like they did today, and some of those lads are the same lads who were losing by 80 points at Gloucester at the end of last season,” said director of rugby Rob Baxter. “It’s the same players, but it’s different men, and that makes me incredibly proud.”
Francis Loses in Final
Welshman Tomas Francis suffered defeat with Provence as the French club lost 24-47 in their access match against USAP. It means another season in Pro2 for Provence, with Perpignan preserving their top-flight status for the fifth time in a row. The Catalan side proved too strong for their opponents, who saw the game change with the introduction of flanker Peceli Yato, who bagged a brace of tries.
Defeat brings an end to Francis' time in France, with a move to Sale already wrapped up, having spent three years with the continental club. Francis has been given the summer off Wales duty as Steve Tandy looks to preserve him for next year's Rugby World Cup.
Pollock Energy Fuelling Saints' Title Charge
Fin Smith insists Henry Pollock is energising Northampton’s Gallagher Prem title march through his “larger than life character”. Saints will collide with Exeter in Saturday’s final at Allianz Stadium following two gripping play-offs that saw Leicester and Bath bow out with their pride intact.
Smith was named man of the match against Tigers with Steve Borthwick watching at Franklin’s Gardens, and the England head coach will also have been impressed with a seismic contribution from Pollock. Pollock made 26 carries on a night of hard graft from the rookie number eight, but England and Lions teammate Smith insists his lively personality is also playing an important role.
Smith said: “Credit to him for such a young guy. Last week we were a little bit tight and there was a little bit of nervousness, but he definitely wasn’t feeling that at all. I’m not worried about him tightening up, that’s for sure. Probably the opposite, we have to try to chill him out a bit.
“It’s hugely helpful for a 21-year-old to sit in a meeting room when there’s a load of internationals that might be going ‘hopefully we win this week’ and to just sit there taking the piss out of everyone. He’s a larger than life character and really is invaluable. He brings people with him, not with words but just with the energy he gives off. It’s really useful. He was absolutely unbelievable against Leicester – like a proper, proper world-class number eight.”
Trailfinders Edge Champions to Set Up Saracens Final
Trailfinders booked their place in the Premiership Women's Rugby (PWR) final for the very first time by beating reigning champions Gloucester-Hartpury 29-26. Hosts Gloucester-Hartpury had won the title for the past three seasons and looked well on their way to competing for a fourth after taking the lead with a Tatyana Heard try. However, Trailfinders hit back with four tries to take a 24-7 lead at halftime.
Two tries after the break saw the hosts battle back to within three points, but Isla Norman-Bell's second try of the afternoon gave the visitors some all-important breathing space. Hannah Dallavalle's try for Gloucester-Hartpury kept the pressure on, but Trailfinders did enough to hold off their opponents to claim the victory.
Trailfinders only joined the PWR in 2023 and had previously never finished higher than sixth. They now face Saracens in the final, who battled back to claim a thrilling 40-38 win over Exeter in the day's other semi-final.
