Gallagher Premiership · Roundup

Gallagher Premiership — Tuesday 21 April 2026

Tuesday 21 April 2026

Match of the Day

Exeter Chiefs 28 - 35 Northampton Saints

What a gut-punch of a round at Sandy Park. Northampton Saints snatched the win in the dying seconds, refusing to believe the curtain call was over after Exeter had powered their way back into the lead. The Chiefs struck early with tries from Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Will Rigg, building a solid platform. Northampton responded steadily, scoring through Alex Mitchell and Ollie Sleightholme, keeping the pressure high.

The intensity ratcheted up mid-game when Campbell Ridl found the scoring touch, followed by quick Northampton scores from George Furbank and Henry Pollock. The momentum seemed to swing back to the Chiefs when Paul Brown-Bampoe clawed back the deficit at 76', leaving the scores level. With the match hanging in the balance, it was Fin Smith who stole the show. In the final minutes, he slotted the winner to secure the dramatic victory for the Saints, cementing their leadership position. The battle was intense, marked by yellow cards for both sides as they fought for every inch.

Player of the Match

Olly Woodburn (Exeter Chiefs) — He logged the highest metres on the day with 78m.

Talking Point

Northampton Saints securing the win gives them a crucial one-point lead over Bath at the top of the Premiership table.

Stats

Exeter Chiefs: 50% possession | 437m | 7 clean breaks | 169 tackles (27 missed) | 10 penalties | 2 yellows
Northampton Saints: 50% possession | 605m | 9 clean breaks | 179 tackles (28 missed) | 9 penalties | 0 yellows

Other Results & News

Sale Sharks 19-85 Saracens (Saracens' scoring spree, including multiple tries from Noah Caluori, proved too much for the Sharks.)
Leicester Tigers 62-3 Newcastle Red Bulls (Leicester dismantled the Red Bulls, capitalizing on a major red card.)
Bath Rugby 48-15 Harlequins (Bath dominated the encounter, securing a massive victory.)
Women's Red Roses 7-84 Scotland (The Red Roses showed unstoppable attacking intent in a dominant Women's Six Nations performance.)

Quote of the Day

“
“Exeter looked on course for a share of the spoils after Paul Brown-Bampoe’s late try levelled matters at 28-28, only for Smith to grab victory in the dying seconds.”

Next Up

Next FixtureCheck fixtures for next round Northampton Saints hold a one-point lead over Bath at the top of the Premiership table after both teams won yesterday. At Sandy Park, Saints fly-half Fin Smith scored a stunning last-minute try to snatch victory against Exeter Chiefs while Bath cruised to an easy win over an injury-hit Harlequins at The Rec. James Pater: England Under-20s back signs new Northampton Saints deal - BBC Sport

Weekend Brief

Rugby in your inbox. No noise.

Scores, talking points, and a few opinions — every week from The Veldt.

Subscribe Free →