Henry Pollock lives up to billing, Fin Smith survives 'rib inspection' and yellow card costs Exeter in PREM final as Phil Dowson's Northampton triumph

A fabulous Gallagher PREM final saw Henry Pollock live up to his billing, and Fin Smith survive a "rib inspection", as Exeter Chiefs showed they are alive again despite defeat to Northampton Saints, who ran out 2025/26 champions with a 26-17 win.

Pollock lives up to billing

Through his blond locks, his celebrations and his fulsome personality, Henry Pollock has built one of rugby's most high-profile reputations in such super quick time that it is easy to forget his considerable back-row skills.

One minute he is there snaffling at the breakdown, the next carrying at speed, the next beating defenders with his footwork, as he proved a thoroughly durable figure for the full 80 minutes on a hot London afternoon.

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It is a rare combination that helps him stand out not just in the PREM, but in the international rugby landscape too.

Even in the latter stages, he was everywhere, keeping up with Tommy Freeman as a support runner in the build-up to George Hendy's first try, carrying heavily before his winger's second try, and winning a penalty in the dying minutes that made absolutely sure of victory.

As such, it was no surprise when the 21-year-old was named player of the match.

Steve Borthwick will be one man taking note.

Watch full-time scenes as Saints, 'the setters of the gold standard', claim PREM glory

Video credit: TNT Sports

Yellow card costs Exeter

Exeter were surging as Northampton went down to 14 following Josh Kemeny's yellow card.

Dafydd Jenkins crossed for a try as the Chiefs moved into a 17-14 lead, and as they repelled their opponents' attacks, it looked like the underdogs might well be working their way towards a sensational victory.

But then a moment that changed it all, as the Chiefs suffered a yellow card of their own, with Jenkins the man to hit the sin bin.

Suddenly, their momentum was gone.

George Hendy was the man to go over for a brace that put the tie out of reach for the Chiefs, but in truth - and after a Herculean physical effort to that point - it was their lack of a full complement that cost them in the face of Northampton's relentless running.

Smith resilience shines through

Scanning for a pass midway through the first half, Northampton fly-half Fin Smith was suddenly subject to a bone-shuddering tackle from Exeter's Ethan Roots, who - as TNT Sports' Nick Mullins put it on commentary - gave Smith a "rib inspection" as the England man lay writhing on the turf.

Roots in 'beast mode' as he SMASHES Smith - 'That's a rib inspection!'

Video credit: TNT Sports

But Smith is made of tough stuff, and if you get knocked down... you get right back up again, with Smith once again co-ordinating the Saints attack and going over himself for a try late in the first half that gave his side some breathing space in the contest.

Taking the ball to the line is always a play that invites big hits from hungry forwards, but Smith's resilience shone through as he kept his side on the front foot in the second half, and ultimately drove them to victory.

In just two weeks' time - and with the England fly-half position still very much up for grabs - national head coach Borthwick takes his side to play South Africa in the Nations Championship, a match considered a true litmus test for the national side.

Smith put his best foot forward here to claim that that jersey.

Exeter alive again despite defeat

They might have suffered defeat, but Rob Baxter has his Chiefs back.

"It's the same players, but it's different men, and that makes me incredibly proud," Baxter had said after seeing his men oust Bath in the PREM play-off semi-finals.

Exeter hit back with STUNNING sprint to the line from Ridl

Video credit: TNT Sports

And those same men were present again at Allianz Stadium, bouncing back despite conceding a chaotic early try that could have easily knocked their confidence, and giving Northampton a huge fright on their way to the title, leading by two points going into the final 20 minutes.

It was not to be, but after finishing second-bottom last season with just four wins to their name, they are back among the English elite, and, with a summer of renewal ahead, will hope to once again compete for honours in 2026/27.

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