For much of the past decade, Exeter Chiefs were one of the standard-bearers of English rugby.
Under Rob Baxter, the club rose from Championship rugby to become PREM and European champions, building a dynasty powered by players such as Luke Cowan-Dickie, Sam Simmonds, Jack Nowell, Joe Simmonds and Stuart Hogg.
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Their 2020 Premiership and Champions Cup double represented the peak of a remarkable journey that transformed Exeter from outsiders into one of the sport's model organizations.
But dynasties do not last forever.
As key figures departed and a new generation began to emerge, questions naturally followed. Could Exeter remain among England's elite without the players who had defined the club's golden era? Or would the Chiefs need several years to rebuild before returning to title contention?
Saturday's dramatic 27-26 comeback victory over Bath Rugby provided the answer. Exeter is heading back to the Gallagher PREM Rugby Final, and in many ways, this accomplishment may be one of the most impressive achievements of Baxter's coaching career.
Exeter Chiefs pull off a massive come-from-behind victory against Bath in an UNBELIEVABLE semifinal!
— FloRugby (@FloRugby) June 13, 2026
Chiefs secure their spot in the @premrugby GRAND FINAL!#PREMrugby pic.twitter.com/lMOez0l3NC
Rob Baxter Kept Exeter Chiefs Competitive During A Rebuild
Replacing a championship-winning core is one of the most difficult tasks in professional sport. Success often creates its own challenges, as top players attract international recognition and lucrative opportunities elsewhere.
Exeter experienced exactly that. The squad that once dominated English rugby gradually evolved as veteran leaders moved on and younger players were asked to take on larger roles. Rather than pursuing a complete reset, Baxter and the Chiefs remained committed to the principles that had brought the club success in the first place.
Development remained a priority. Young talent was trusted. The club's identity stayed intact.
The transition was not always seamless, but Exeter never drifted far from contention. That consistency helped create the foundation for the run the Chiefs are enjoying now.
Exeter Chiefs Showed Their Growth Against Bath Rugby
If there was any lingering doubt about how far Exeter has come, the semifinal against Bath removed it.
The Chiefs appeared headed for elimination after conceding four first-half tries and falling behind 26-10 at the break. Bath controlled territory, possession and momentum for much of the opening 40 minutes, leaving Exeter with a mountain to climb against one of the Premiership's strongest teams.
What followed was a performance built on composure and belief.
Rather than chasing miracle plays, Exeter steadily worked its way back into the contest. The forward pack began winning key battles, the defense tightened considerably and the pressure slowly shifted onto Bath. By the final whistle, the Chiefs had completed one of the most memorable playoff comebacks in recent Premiership history while holding Bath scoreless in the second half.
Championship-caliber teams find ways to survive difficult moments. Exeter did exactly that.
Exeter Chiefs Are One Win Away From Another Premiership Title
The challenge awaiting the Chiefs is significant.
Northampton Saints advanced to the final after defeating Leicester Tigers 45-31 in a thrilling East Midlands derby, continuing a season that has established them as one of the most dangerous attacking teams in England. Led by players such as Tommy Freeman, Fin Smith and Henry Pollock, the defending champions will enter the final with confidence and momentum.
Exeter, however, arrives with something equally valuable.
The Chiefs have spent the season proving they belong among the Premiership's best, and their semifinal comeback demonstrated the resilience that has long defined Baxter's teams. This roster may not feature all of the stars who lifted trophies earlier in the decade, but it has developed its own identity and earned its place on the biggest stage.
For Baxter, another Premiership title would add yet another chapter to an already remarkable legacy. Even if the job is not finished, guiding a rebuilt Exeter Chiefs squad back to the Gallagher PREM Rugby Final is proof that the foundation he established at Sandy Park remains as strong as ever.
Watch Northampton Saints Vs. Exeter Chiefs Live On FloRugby
Northampton enters the final as the defending Premiership champion and boasts one of the most dangerous attacks in English rugby.
The Saints feature four players ranked in FloRugby's Top 100 Players in the World: Tommy Freeman (No. 50), Alex Mitchell (No. 66), Fin Smith (No. 91) and Henry Pollock (No. 100). Together, they have helped drive Northampton back to another title match and will be central figures in the championship showdown.
Exeter, meanwhile, arrives with momentum after one of the club's biggest victories in recent years. Rob Baxter's side refused to quit against Bath Rugby, producing a second-half comeback that secured a return to the Premiership final for the first time since the Chiefs' championship-winning era.
The contrasting styles and storylines make this one of the most anticipated domestic rugby matches of the year.
FloRugby Streams Rugby Competitions From Around The World
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FloRugby is home to some of the biggest club and international competitions in the sport, giving subscribers access to matches across multiple continents and competitions. Whether it's elite domestic leagues, international test rugby or major championship events, FloRugy provides fans with a year-round destination for the sport.
Subscribers can also access highlights, match replays, breaking news, rankings, analysis and exclusive coverage from across the rugby world.
How To Watch The Gallagher PREM Rugby Final On FloRugby
Rugby fans in the United States can watch the Gallagher PREM Rugby Final live on FloRugby and the FloSports app.
The championship match between Northampton Saints and Exeter Chiefs will determine the final major trophy winner of the English domestic season and feature some of the sport's biggest stars competing on one of rugby's grandest stages.
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How The Gallagher PREM Playoffs Work
The top four teams in the final league table qualify for the playoffs.
The No. 1 seed hosts the No. 4 seed, while the No. 2 seed hosts the No. 3 seed. The winners advance to the Gallagher PREM Final, where the league champion will be crowned.
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FloRugby provides live and on-demand coverage of rugby competitions from around the world. Subscribers can watch live matches, full replays, highlights, rankings, breaking news and exclusive content throughout the season.
Subscribe today to watch the Gallagher PREM playoffs live in the United States.
How To Watch Rugby Matches In The United States On FloRugby
Professional club rugby in Europe all streams on FloRugby and the FloSports app in the United States. FloRugby and FloSports also are the U.S. home to:
FloRugby is also home to match archives and match replays.
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How The Gallagher PREM Playoffs Work
The top four teams in the final league table qualify for the playoffs.
The No. 1 seed hosts the No. 4 seed, while the No. 2 seed hosts the No. 3 seed. The winners advance to the Gallagher PREM Final, where the league champion will be crowned.
Watch Rugby On FloRugby
FloRugby provides live and on-demand coverage of rugby competitions from around the world. Subscribers can watch live matches, full replays, highlights, rankings, breaking news and exclusive content throughout the season.
Subscribe today to watch the Gallagher PREM playoffs live in the United States.
How To Watch Rugby Matches In The United States On FloRugby
Professional club rugby in Europe all streams on FloRugby and the FloSports app in the United States. FloRugby and FloSports also are the U.S. home to:
FloRugby is also home to match archives and match replays.