Saracens have been crowned Premiership champions after defeating Exeter Chiefs 37-34 in Saturday’s final at Twickenham.
Exeter got off to the perfect start, scoring the quickest try in Premiership final history as Nic White scored within 30 seconds of the first half after a Saracens handling error from the kick-off. The rest of the half was closely contested, with Saracens’ Jamie George and Ben Spencer scoring tries to give the defending champions a 13-7 lead, but the London club paid for Owen Farrell’s kicking inaccuracy, with the England captain missing two conversions before a Dave Ewers try restored Exeter’s lead.
Exeter, who won their only previous Premiership title in 2017, entered the second half with a 22-16 lead after Jonny Hill contributed his team’s third try.
The teams traded tries around the hour mark with Henry Slade going over for Exeter, minutes before Liam Williams returned the favour and Farrell’s first successful kick of the afternoon saw Saracens narrow the gap to trail 27-23.
Sean Maitland’s try and Farrell’s conversion seemed to confirm victory for Saracens with 13 minutes remaining, though Jamie George went over for the second time in the game late on, making certain of it. Exeter managed a late try and conversion with the last kick of the game, but it was too late, as the Chiefs finished runners-up to Saracens for the second year in a row.
Saracens’ victory marked their fourth Premiership title win in five years, and secured the London club the double, following their Champions Cup final win over Leinster in May.