Northampton beat Exeter to win Prem Rugby title

In the Premiership Rugby final at Allianz Stadium, Northampton Saints clinched the title for the third time, defeating Exeter Chiefs 26-17. George Hendy scored two tries within three minutes in the final quarter, breaking the deadlock in a closely contested match.

The game began explosively as Tommy Freeman capitalized on an Exeter error to score within two minutes. Exeter responded through Campbell Ridl, who raced down the left wing for his 17th try of the season. Fin Smith then put Northampton back ahead, but Josh Iosefa-Scott crossed just before halftime to narrow the gap to four points.

In the second half, Northampton's Josh Kemeny was sent to the sin-bin for a head-to-head clash with Exeter captain Dafydd Jenkins. Exeter took advantage, with Jenkins himself scoring to give his side the lead. However, Jenkins was yellow-carded five minutes later for a dangerous challenge. With an extra man, Hendy touched down in the corner to reclaim the lead for Northampton and then added his second try soon after.

Northampton dominated the extra-man period, and Exeter's hopes faded. The Saints reclaimed the title they lost to Bath the previous year. Notable incidents included an early injury to Exeter hooker Max Norey and a try ruled out for Northampton's Rory Hutchinson due to a knock-on.