Northampton Saints and England star Fin Smith reflects on ‘tough’ season after PREM win over Exeter Chiefs - 'I’ve had to find my love for the game’

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England star Fin Smith has told of his "relief" after Northampton Saints edged Exeter Chiefs to be crowned Gallagher PREM champions following a "challenging" season in which he had to rediscover his "love for the game".

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George Hendy claimed two tries in four second-half minutes to see the Saints beat the Chiefs 26-17 at Allianz Stadium and claim a second PREM title in three years.

Smith, who scored a try and added three conversions in a tight contest, credited his team-mates with helping him through a "challenging" personal campaign.

"I feel massively different," Smith told TNT Sports, when asked how this triumph compared to the Saints’ 2024 PREM victory. "I’ve learnt so much about myself, more than anything.

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"I’m not going to lie, this year has been really challenging coming off the back of a long summer with the Lions.

"I’ve had to find my love for the game a bit. Being around this group, I’ve let them take me along the journey.

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"I feel so lucky to be a part of this team, because it is tough at times to be able to keep getting yourself up for it every week, so when you’ve got your best mates alongside you, they really drag you along.

"It’s been amazing, and this one will be even more special than the last one."

Smith singled out Northampton skipper George Furbank, who was making his final appearance before joining Harlequins, for special praise.

"I feel relief and joy," Smith added. "I couldn’t stop thinking about picturing Furbs [Furbank] lifting that trophy all week this week.

"It’s all I thought about when I shut my eyes every night. Just seeing him lift that - the joy on his face. It came true. A perfect ending for him. Amazing.

"I’m going to miss him so much. He’s an absolute legend of a human being.

"He’s everything Northampton Saints is about. What a player, what a guy.

"He’s one of my best mates. I see him most nights, so I’m going to have to find some new friends when he’s gone. But, more than anything, today was about doing it for him. He deserves that."

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