After a thrilling Premiership Rugby season, all eyes turn to Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium this Saturday, June 14, 2025, for the much-anticipated final between Bath and Leicester Tigers. This showdown promises high drama as Bath chases their first Premiership title in nearly three decades, while Leicester aims to add another trophy to their illustrious cabinet, marking their twelfth triumph if successful.
The stage is set for a classic encounter steeped in history and fierce rivalry. Bath, under the expert guidance of head coach Michael Cheika, have been in scintillating form this season. They have already secured the Premiership Rugby Cup and the Challenge Cup, and now eye a historic treble. Their recent dominance over Leicester, having won both prior meetings this season with a combined score of 63-30, adds an intriguing edge to the final.
Leicester Tigers, on the other hand, bring a wealth of experience and motivation. With eleven Premiership titles under their belt, including a victory as recent as 2022, they are no strangers to success at Twickenham. This final also carries emotional weight as the club bids farewell to legends Ben Youngs and Dan Cole, who are expected to feature off the bench for the last time, along with Mike Brown. Their combined appearances tally for Leicester stands at an impressive 680, underscoring their monumental contributions to the club.
Bath’s lineup showcases remarkable depth and tactical flexibility. Springbok Thomas du Toit replaces likely Lions starter Will Stuart at tighthead prop, while Miles Reid steps in for Alfie Barbeary in the back row. The influential half-back pairing of captain Ben Spencer and Scotland and Lions star Finn Russell will be pivotal in orchestrating Bath’s attacking play. The backline, featuring the likes of Will Muir, Cameron Redpath, and Joe Cokanasiga, adds both pace and power, ready to challenge Leicester’s defense.
Leicester’s team remains unchanged from their semi-final triumph over Sale, signaling confidence in their tried and tested squad. The pack, led by stalwarts like Hanro Liebenberg and Tommy Reffell, will look to dominate the physical exchanges, while the dynamic backline, including Handre Pollard at fly-half and Ollie Hassell-Collins on the wing, aims to exploit any gaps. The presence of veterans Ben Youngs and Dan Cole on the bench offers both leadership and experience during crucial moments.
Kickoff is scheduled for 3:00 PM BST, with live coverage commencing at 1:30 PM on TNT Sports, providing fans with 90 minutes of pre-match build-up. ITV will also broadcast the final, starting their coverage at 2:30 PM, and streaming options are available on discovery+ for subscribers and on ITVX for registered users. This accessibility ensures that rugby fans across the UK can witness the culmination of a gripping season.
Michael Cheika, reflecting on the challenge ahead, emphasized the importance of mental preparation: “The objective is to get us into the frame of mind where we go into the game with a strong belief that we’ve got a good plan and to deliver that.” His words resonate with Leicester’s need to overcome Bath’s recent dominance and secure a memorable send-off for their retiring heroes.
Bath captain Ben Spencer is equally motivated to thwart Leicester’s farewell celebrations: “The game will be worse off without them, but I don’t think there’s any part of me, or any of the Bath lads, that doesn’t want to spoil that party. Like I said, great players, legends of the game, and it’ll be sad to see them go. But, I’m hoping that we lift a trophy at the end of the day, on Saturday afternoon.”
The final also carries an element of unpredictability. Should the teams be tied at the end of the standard 80 minutes, extra time could be played, with the rare possibility of a penalty shootout deciding the winner. Such scenarios add to the intensity and drama of the occasion.
Odds currently favor Bath, reflecting their strong form and recent head-to-head success, with bookmakers offering 1/3 for a Bath win compared to 13/4 for Leicester. However, the Tigers’ pedigree and hunger to honor their departing legends ensure that this contest remains wide open.
Fans and neutrals alike can expect a fiercely contested final, blending Bath’s youthful exuberance and tactical acumen with Leicester’s experience and resilience. The Allianz Stadium at Twickenham will undoubtedly be buzzing with anticipation as these two rugby powerhouses battle for glory and a place in Premiership history.
As the curtain falls on the 2024-25 Premiership Rugby season, this final promises to deliver a spectacle worthy of the sport’s rich tradition. Whether Bath ends their long wait for the title or Leicester reclaims their throne, rugby enthusiasts are in for a memorable afternoon of top-tier rugby.
