Gallagher PREM Round Two
Bath Hosts Exeter and Bristol Faces Northampton in Gallagher PREM Round Two
Anonymous
Key Points
1
Bath opened the campaign with a 33-17 away win over Harlequins, while Exeter’s 45-24 home defeat to Gloucester was described as one of the round’s upsets.
2
Bristol beat Sale Sharks 34-24 in their opener, and Northampton defeated Newcastle Red Bulls 59-26.
3
Northampton director of rugby Phil Dowson said Saints have not won at Ashton Gate since 2021 and have had “some chastening experiences” there.
4
Saints also have Italy wing Malik Faissal sidelined for an extended period after surgery, while Tom Pearson’s hand injury is being assessed; both were listed as unavailable.
Bath and Exeter Chiefs face off in Round Two of the 2026/27 Gallagher PREM on Saturday, reprising last season's playoff semifinal that Exeter won 27-26 Bristol Post. Across the league, defending champion Northampton Saints visit Bristol Bears, who defeated Sale Sharks 34-24 in their opener while Saints hammered Newcastle 59-26 Bet365. Both Bath and Bristol opened with wins, though Exeter stumbled badly against Gloucester 45-24 in one of the round's biggest upsets.
Bath Seeks Revenge After Agonizing Playoff Loss
Bath opened their 2026/27 campaign with a convincing 33-17 away victory over Harlequins Bristol Post, but now face a much stiffer test against Exeter. The two sides met in last season's playoff semifinal, where Exeter edged Bath 27-26 in a razor-thin contest Bristol Post. This rematch offers Bath a chance to settle that score and prove they belong among the league's elite.
Exeter Stumbles Against Gloucester in Major Upset
Exeter's season got off to a rough start with a shocking 45-24 home defeat to Gloucester Bristol Post. The loss marked one of Round One's biggest surprises and puts immediate pressure on the Chiefs as they travel to Bath. Exeter will need to regroup quickly and recover their form if they hope to repeat last season's playoff success.
Bristol and Saints Clash Again After Lopsided History
Bristol Bears and Northampton Saints meet for the second time in as many seasons, but the context has shifted dramatically. Saints recorded a record 94-33 demolition of Bristol in their previous encounter Bristol Post. This time, Northampton director of rugby Phil Dowson acknowledged Saints have not won at Ashton Gate since 2021 and have experienced "some chastening experiences" there Bristol Post. Bristol comes in fresh off their 34-24 win over Sale.
Saints Depleted by Injuries as They Hunt Ashton Gate Victory
Northampton has shuffled their lineup significantly for Round Two. Ollie Sleightholme and Josh Taylor come in while Tommy Freeman shifts to fullback Bristol Post. However, the Saints face mounting injury concerns. Italy wing Malik Faissal is sidelined for an extended period following surgery, and Tom Pearson's hand injury is being assessed Bristol Post. Ellis Genge is also unavailable for Bristol due to injury, adding injury depth to both sides heading into these critical early-season clashes.
Sentiment
Mostly PositiveNEGATIVENEUTRALPOSITIVE
Publishers
17
Articles
4
Reach
21
Topics
A
AnonymousAuthor
