Exeter Chiefs defeated Bath Rugby in the Gallagher Prem Rugby semi-final on Sunday to secure a place in the championship final.
The victory marks a critical recovery for the club after both teams suffered defeats in their respective European semi-final matches earlier this season. This win ensures Exeter advances to the final stage of the 2025/26 campaign.
The match took place at Sandy Park in Exeter during Round 15 of the 2025/26 Gallagher Prem Rugby season [3]. The clash served as a high-stakes play-off battle for a spot in the final, pitting two sides against each other that had both faced disappointment in continental competition [4, 5].
Reports on the final score of the match vary between major outlets. One report listed the final score as 27-26 in favor of the Exeter Chiefs [1]. However, another report said that Exeter won with a score of 35-12 [2].
Despite the discrepancy in the final tally, the outcome remains the same: Exeter Chiefs advance. The victory allows the team to move forward in the domestic competition while denying Bath Rugby a chance to compete for the title.
Both teams entered the match under pressure to perform after their European exits. The atmosphere at Sandy Park reflected the intensity of the play-off format, where a single loss eliminates a team from title contention for the season.
“Exeter Chiefs defeated Bath Rugby in the Gallagher Prem Rugby semi-final on Sunday.”
The result cements Exeter Chiefs' position as a top contender in the 2025/26 season. By overcoming Bath Rugby, Exeter has transitioned from the disappointment of a European semi-final exit to the opportunity of winning a domestic title, shifting the momentum of their season heading into the final.
