Tommy Freeman, Fin Smith, George Hendy (two) score tries as Northampton Saints become champions of England for third time in their history (2014, 2024, 2026); Hendy’s two tries came in three minutes as Saints came from behind to beat Exeter Chiefs at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
By Michael Cantillon at Twickenham
Last Updated: 20/06/26 5:13pm
Tommy Freeman was among the try scorers as Northampton came from behind to beat Exeter
Two George Hendy tries in three final-quarter minutes saw Northampton Saints come from behind to beat Exeter Chiefs 26-17 and clinch the 2026 Prem Rugby title at Twickenham.
Saints were seeking their third Prem crown after previously becoming champions of England in 2014 and 2024, and scored tries through Tommy Freeman and Fin Smith in addition to Hendy’s crucial double in the 65th and 68th minutes.
Exeter – who came from 16 points behind to knock out defending champions Bath in the semis – fell 14-5 behind in the contest but hit back through Josh Iosefa-Scott and Dafydd Jenkins tries to lead by three points.
Cameron Ridl had scored the Chiefs’ first in a chance-filled first half, but the last of Exeter’s tries arrived with Northampton back-row Josh Kemeny in the sin-bin. Once Jenkins joined him after a high tackle offence, Saints took control to fight back and claim glory.
George Hendy finished marvellously for two tries in three second-half minutes to turn a three-point deficit to a nine-point lead
A packed out Twickenham played host to a hugely entertaining Prem Rugby final
More to follow…
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