Exeter Chiefs Win 31-14 to Reach PREM Cup Final

Exeter Chiefs secured their place in the PREM Rugby Cup final with a 31-14 victory over Northampton Saints in the semifinal at Sandy Park on Sunday, March 8, 2026. The match, which kicked off at 1:30 p.m. GMT under damp and misty conditions, saw the home side dominate possession and capitalize on Saints' disciplinary issues to advance for the second consecutive year.

The Chiefs struck first within three minutes, as scrumhalf Tom Cairns sidestepped through the Saints defense to pass to fullback Josh Hodge, who outpaced wing George Hendy for the opening try. Flyhalf Henry Slade converted to give Exeter a 7-0 lead. Saints responded quickly, winning a scrum penalty and using the field position to send center Tom Litchfield over from close range. Anthony Belleau's conversion leveled the score at 7-7.

Slade restored Exeter's advantage with a penalty after Saints prop Tom West was penalized for offside, making it 10-7. The visitors then suffered a significant setback on the 20-minute mark when Hendy was forced off with a knee injury, unable to bear weight on his left leg, and was replaced by Amena Caqusau, with James Ramm shifting to fullback. Further compounding their troubles,...