Prem Rugby 2026/27 opens with dominant performances from Northampton and Bath
Defending champions Northampton Saints and Bath both secured emphatic victories on the opening night of the new Premiership season, with Bath’s win at The Stoop providing a fresh start after last year’s play-off exit.
The 2026/27 Prem Rugby season commenced on Friday, 25 September, with two opening-night fixtures that saw the top of the table assert their authority. Defending champions Northampton Saints recorded a 59-point victory over Newcastle Red Bulls, while Bath defeated injury-hit Harlequins 33-17 at The Stoop.
Northampton’s performance was characterised by a high volume of scoring, with Tommy Freeman and James Pater both registering hat-tricks. The Saints took advantage of a favourable opening fixture against last season’s bottom club, who had recruited extensively during the off-season but struggled to contain the champions’ attack. Tries from George Hendy, Alex Coles and Ollie Sleightholme contributed to the Saints' tally, with Fin Smith adding five conversions and Anthony Belleau two.
For Newcastle, Christian Wade scored two tries to take his Premiership career tally to 95, placing him just six behind record holder Chris Ashton. Cam Jordan and Werner Kok were the other try-scorers for the visitors, with Zack Henry and Brett Connon providing the conversions.
At The Stoop, Bath’s victory was highlighted by a unique try from Santiago Carreras. The Argentina full-back intercepted a pass destined for Cadan Murley in mid-air, gathered the ball, and outran the defender to score in the 32nd minute. The sequence, which mixed skill and athleticism, occurred as Harlequins attempted to exploit their high-tempo attack.
Bath controlled the match, leading 28-10 at half-time with their line-out maul serving as a key weapon. The result offers a fresh start for the club, whose title defence ended in a home play-off defeat by Exeter Chiefs last season. Harlequins were significantly weakened by injuries, with Marcus Smith, Alex Dombrandt, Fin Baxter and George Furbank all absent from the matchday squad.
Northampton’s Henry Pollock also made his first appearance since signing a new £400,000-a-year contract, taking to the field sporting a cornrows hairstyle.
