How to watch Bath Rugby vs Exeter Chiefs live on TV and full team news
Context mode is active. Hover over any highlighted term to see its definition. Click a nested term to go deeper.
Today, English rugby's fierce West Country rivalry ignites as Bath Rugby hosts Exeter Chiefs in a high-stakes Gallagher Premiership semi-final at the Recreation Ground. With a coveted spot in the June 20 final at Twickenham Stadium on the line, reigning champions Bath will contend with the absence of star fly-half Finn Russell, while Exeter looks to overcome the loss of impactful winger Immanuel Feyi-Waboso for this critical clash. The encounter, kicking off at 3:00 PM BST, is set to be broadcast live, drawing significant attention from fans across the globe eager to witness which team secures their championship dream. This semi-final pits the second and third-placed teams from a compelling 2025/26 Gallagher Premiership regular season against each other, underscoring the tight competition at the top. Bath Rugby, under Director of Rugby Johann van Graan, enters the playoffs as reigning champions, showcasing formidable attacking statistics and a consistent ability to apply pressure. Meanwhile, Exeter Chiefs, guided by Rob Baxter, have engineered a remarkable resurgence from a ninth-place finish last season to contend for the title, securing their playoff berth with a decisive victory over Saracens in the final round. Their previous Premiership encounters this season have been split, adding another layer of unpredictability to this knockout fixture. The outcome of today's semi-final will dramatically shape the narrative of the 2025/26 Gallagher Premiership, propelling one of these formidable sides into English rugby's showpiece event at Twickenham next Saturday. For the victor, it means a shot at domestic glory and confirmation of their elite status in European Rugby Champions Cup qualification, while the defeated side will reflect on a season of intense effort ending at the penultimate hurdle. Rugby fans will be watching closely for how the tactical battles unfold, particularly around set pieces and the performances of each team's tactical leaders, given the significant player absences.