The Gallagher Premiership semi-final at The Rec on June 13, 2026, delivered a rugby spectacle that will be talked about for years to come. Exeter Chiefs, facing a daunting 16-point deficit against Bath Rugby, produced a comeback of epic proportions to win 27-26 and book their place in the final at Twickenham against Northampton Saints. For Exeter, this victory not only preserved their flawless play-off record—now seven wins from seven—but also showcased their remarkable resilience and tactical nous under pressure.
The atmosphere at The Rec was electric from the outset, with Bath Rugby supporters eager to see their team capitalize on home advantage and secure a trip to Twickenham. Bath, having confirmed their home semi-final berth with a win over Leicester Tigers the previous week, entered the contest as slight favorites. However, the absence of key fly-half Finn Russell due to a calf injury was a significant blow, thrusting Santi Carreras into the pivotal No. 10 shirt. Despite this setback, Bath’s lineup was otherwise at full strength, ready for a showdown with their West Country rivals.
The opening stages saw Bath take control, exploiting an early yellow card to Exeter’s Henry Slade for an intentional knock-on at the 11-minute mark. In Slade’s absence, Bath struck twice: Beno Obano powered over in the 12th minute, converted by Carreras, and Thomas du Toit followed suit at 20 minutes, again converted by the Argentine stand-in fly-half. Exeter managed to stem the tide briefly with a penalty from Harvey Skinner at 16 minutes, but Bath’s momentum was relentless.
Bath’s attacking verve was on full display when Joe Cokanasiga finished off a sweeping move in the 28th minute, and Henry Arundell added a fourth try five minutes later with a brilliant finish under pressure. Carreras slotted both conversions, extending Bath’s lead to 26-10. Exeter’s only first-half try came courtesy of Christ Tshiunza, who burst through the Bath defense at 25 minutes, sidestepping Santi Carreras to score. Henry Slade added the extras, but the Chiefs trailed by 16 points at the interval, seemingly outclassed and outgunned.
Yet, Exeter’s never-say-die attitude—honed under the stewardship of director of rugby Rob Baxter—was about to come to the fore. Baxter’s bold decision to replace his entire front row just after halftime, at 44 minutes, proved to be a masterstroke. Fresh legs and renewed energy in the pack turned the tide. According to RUCK, “Baxter’s decision to replace his entire front row after 44 minutes proved crucial, as the Chiefs scored twice in five minutes and closed the gap.”
The Chiefs began their resurgence with Ben Hammersley’s try at 51 minutes, set up by a perfectly timed delayed pass from Henry Slade. Slade converted, narrowing the deficit. Just five minutes later, Greg Fisilau crashed over for another try, with Skinner’s slick playmaking instrumental in the build-up. Although Slade missed the conversion, Exeter were suddenly back in the contest.
Bath’s discipline began to fray as the pressure mounted. Joe Cokanasiga was shown a yellow card at 65 minutes for a cynical infringement, leaving Bath a man down during a critical phase. Exeter capitalized almost immediately: replacement prop Ethan Burger powered over the line at 68 minutes to give the Chiefs their first lead of the match. The conversion was missed, but Exeter now led 27-26, having erased a 16-point deficit in stunning fashion.
The closing stages were nothing short of dramatic. Bath, desperate to reclaim the lead, launched a relentless 41-phase attack deep into added time. The Chiefs’ defense, marshaled by Player of the Match Harvey Skinner—making his 25th consecutive start—held firm. Olly Woodburn made the game’s decisive play, holding up the ball over the try line in the 83rd minute to deny Bath a last-gasp victory. As reported by The Times, “Exeter Chiefs stunned Bath Rugby with a 27-26 victory in the Gallagher Premiership semi-final at The Rec. The match ended with a dramatic 41-phase Bath attack being held up in the 83rd minute.”
Individual performances stood out across the park. Skinner’s all-action display earned him top honors, with his defensive efforts and playmaking prowess pivotal in Exeter’s comeback. Paul Brown-Bampoe impressed with his breakdown work and incisive running, while Henry Slade, despite his early yellow card and a couple of missed conversions, provided the creative spark that ignited the Chiefs’ revival. For Bath, Santi Carreras stepped into the fly-half role admirably, orchestrating the attack and converting three tries, but ultimately it wasn’t enough.
Exeter’s tactical flexibility was on full display. Rob Baxter’s willingness to make bold changes—such as the front row replacement—paid dividends, as did his faith in young talents like Campbell Ridl, who made a lively if brief appearance. The Chiefs’ ability to adapt under pressure and seize momentum at crucial moments was a testament to their experience and belief.
For Bath, the defeat was a bitter pill to swallow. Having lost four of their last six games heading into the semi-final, their form had waned at the wrong time. The absence of Finn Russell was keenly felt, but the team’s inability to close out the match after such a dominant first half will haunt them through the off-season. Still, the effort and determination shown in the closing moments—particularly during the 41-phase siege—demonstrated the squad’s spirit and refusal to give up.
Looking ahead, Exeter Chiefs will now prepare for a Twickenham showdown with Northampton Saints, aiming to capture their first Premiership title since 2020. For Bath, the focus will shift to regrouping and building for next year, with questions sure to be asked about their late-season slump and semi-final heartbreak.
As the dust settles on a classic at The Rec, Exeter’s fans can savor a victory for the ages—one defined by grit, tactical brilliance, and unshakeable belief. The stage is set for a blockbuster final, and if this semi-final was any indication, rugby fans are in for another unforgettable contest.