PREM Final 2026: Northampton Saints vs Exeter Chiefs Predictions and Preview
Northampton Saints and Exeter Chiefs will compete for the Gallagher PREM trophy on Saturday, June 20, at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham. According to match details, the final kicks off at 3:00 PM BST, featuring two clubs that finished eighth and ninth in the standings last season.
Northampton Saints secured their place in the final after finishing top of the PREM Rugby table and defeating Leicester Tigers 45-31 in the semi-final. Exeter Chiefs advanced by defeating reigning champions Bath, recovering from a 26-10 half-time deficit.
Joseph Robinson, Editor of Rugby World, states that the presence of last season’s eighth and ninth place teams in the final highlights the league’s unpredictability. Robinson predicts a Northampton Saints victory by 15 points, citing their experience in a previous title win and a Champions Cup final.
Why do the Northampton Saints hold a statistical advantage?
Historical data indicates that league leaders often succeed in the final. According to match facts, the number one seed has won the title in each of the last four seasons and has won 50% of all finals over the last 20 seasons.
Saints also benefit from a recent trend where the winner of the first semi-final has claimed the title in each of the last five seasons. The team is seeking its second trophy in three years, having last won in 2024.
How does the Exeter Chiefs’ path to the final compare?
Exeter Chiefs face a steeper historical climb, as no team finishing third in the table has ever won the PREM Rugby title. However, their semi-final win over Bath was only the second time in a decade that an away side has won a play-off semi-final.
The Chiefs last claimed the title in 2020. Robinson notes that the return of Immanuel Feyi-Waboso from injury is of “monumental significance” because he represents the team’s primary attacking threat.
Who are the key players and officials for the final?
The Northampton Saints lineup is led by captain George Furbank and includes Fin Smith, Tommy Freeman, and Henry Pollock. Robinson suggests these England internationals could provide the quality needed to pull away in the match.
Exeter Chiefs will be led by captain Dafydd Jenkins, with Len Ikitau, Henry Slade, Greg Fisilau, and Tom Hooper filling key roles. Matthew Carley will referee the match, assisted by Adam Leal and Anthony Woodthorpe, with Ian Tempest serving as the TMO.
What may happen during the match?
Analysts expect a tight opening exchange. Robinson suggests that the variety of the Saints’ attack, which can score via rapid counter-attacks or patient phase-play, could prevent the Chiefs’ defense from settling.
One of the two teams is likely to break a six-season streak where a different team has lifted the trophy each year. A victory for the Saints would mark their second title in three seasons, while a Chiefs win would be their first since 2020.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the PREM final taking place?
The match is scheduled for 3:00 PM BST on Saturday, June 20, at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, which has a capacity of 82,000.
What is the head-to-head record between these teams?
Recent meetings include a 35-28 win for Northampton on April 18, 2026, and a 31-14 win for Exeter on March 8, 2026. They also drew 33-33 on September 28, 2025.
How can viewers watch the game?
In the UK, the match will be broadcast on ITV4/ITVX and TNT Sports/HBO Max.
Which team’s rise from the bottom of the table to the final is more impressive?