Bath Rugby will host Exeter Chiefs in a high-stakes Gallagher Premiership play-off semi-final at The Rec on Saturday, June 13, 2026. This West Country derby pits the league’s second-placed finishers against the third-placed Chiefs, with a spot in the Twickenham final on the line.
Reigning champions Bath Rugby are aiming for a third consecutive final appearance, potentially becoming the first club to defend their title since Saracens in 2019. Kick-off is set locally for 15:00 BST.
The match serves as a significant hurdle for Exeter Chiefs, who have climbed from a ninth-place finish last season to genuine title contenders. While the Chiefs secured a commanding 35-12 win over Bath as recently as May 10, 2026, history favors the home side in these scenarios.
Over the last 20 seasons, 85% of play-off semi-finals have been won by the host club. Furthermore, only two teams finishing third in that two-decade span have ever reached the final, and none have won the trophy.
Santi Carreras starts at fly-half for Bath Rugby following the confirmed absence of Finn Russell due to a calf injury. Russell, who Johann van Graan assessed as “not perfect” earlier this week, is one of five internationals missing for the hosts.
Despite this, Rugby World Editor Joseph Robinson suggests Bath’s squad depth—featuring Ollie Lawrence and Max Ojomoh in the centers—is robust enough to handle the loss. In contrast, Exeter’s absence of Immanuel Feyi-Waboso is viewed by some analysts as a more critical blow to their attacking efficiency.
Full team news for the Gallagher Premiership semi-final
Bath Rugby have received a significant boost with the return of Tom Dunn at hooker and Quinn Roux in the second row, both of whom were back from suspension. Ben Spencer captains the side from scrum-half, tasked with providing the leadership needed for knockout rugby.
The pack is further strengthened by Thomas du Toit at prop and Sam Underhill in the back row, while the bench includes high-impact replacements like experienced international talent and recent standout performers.
Exeter Chiefs Head Coach Rob Baxter has made a tactical shift at number eight, where Greg Fisilau returns to the starting XV to replace Ethan Roots. Roots is currently undergoing return-to-play protocols. Notable veteran Henry Slade, one of the few survivors from Exeter’s last Premiership win in 2020, starts at center.
The visitors also add Ross Vintcent to their bench for the clash at the 14,509-capacity stadium.
Bath Rugby starting lineup
- 15. Tom de Glanville
- 14. Joe Cokanasiga
- 13. Ollie Lawrence
- 12. Max Ojomoh
- 11. Henry Arundell
- 10. Santi Carreras
- 9. Ben Spencer (captain)
- 1. Beno Obano
- 2. Tom Dunn
- 3. Thomas du Toit
- 4. Quinn Roux
- 5. Charlie Ewels
- 6. Josh Bayliss
- 7. Sam Underhill
- 8. Alfie Barbeary
Exeter Chiefs starting lineup
- 15. Olly Woodburn
- 14. Paul Brown-Bampoe
- 13. Henry Slade
- 12. Len Ikitau
- 11. Campbell Ridl
- 10. Harvey Skinner
- 9. Stephen Varney
- 1. Scott Sio
- 2. Max Norey
- 3. Josh Iosefa-Scott
- 4. Dafydd Jenkins (captain)
- 5. Andrea Zambonin
- 6. Tom Hooper
- 7. Christ Tshiunza
- 8. Greg Fisilau
Referee details and broadcasting information
Christophe Ridley will take charge of the semi-final as the referee. He is supported by assistant referees Karl Dickson and Sara Cox, while Andrew Jackson has been appointed as the Television Match Official (TMO). The officiating team will oversee a clash that remains highly unpredictable, despite Bath’s home advantage.
In recent years, Exeter have proven they can win at The Rec, evidenced by their 23-14 Premiership Rugby Cup victory there in September 2025.
For fans unable to attend, the match will be broadcast live in the United Kingdom on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate. Global viewers can also access the game via HBO Max. The tension is expected to be as high as the com/latest-sport-news-updates-miami-open-aintree-world-cup/”>top-tier international events scheduled for later this summer, as both clubs vie for the chance to meet either Northampton Saints or Leicester Tigers in the final.
The outcome of this semi-final will dictate whether Bath can continue their march toward a historic title defense or if Exeter’s young squad can defy the odds. With world-class talent like Henry Slade and Ollie Lawrence on the field, the game promises a technical battle that reflects the high standards of the current English game.
As Joseph Robinson notes, the winner will have to overcome not just their opponents, but the physical stresses of a relentless domestic season.
