Northampton were crowned Gallagher Prem champions with a 26-17 victory over Exeter at Allianz Stadium that was finally decided by George Hendy’s quickfire try double.
Saints wasted chance after chance and with the Chiefs giving everything to stay in the fight, they looked in danger of missing out on a second league triumph in three seasons.
But trailing 17-14, they hit back in a decisive final quarter through Hendy, and two minutes later the wing was over for his second as Northampton eventually found the finishing touch that has become their calling card.
Exeter were more comfortable amid the pressure of a final that was played at a frantic pace and defended as if their lives depended on it, while also contending with a misfiring line-out and creaky scrum.
But Saints’ class told in the closing stages and they also had to cope with the exit of in-form scrum-half Archie McParland to injury after just 11 minutes, ushering Alex Mitchell on to the pitch.
Victory cements Northampton’s place as the dominant force in English club rugby of the mid 2020s and comes after they finished the regular season at the top of the table with their swashbuckling style.
Boxing ring announcer David Diamante delivered his call to action as the game kicked off and the rivals responded with a fast and furious start that featured a host of mistakes.
It was errors that led to the opening two tries, beginning with a mix up between Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Olly Woodburn over a McParland kick that enabled Tommy Freeman to score.
Freeman was then at fault through a speculative pass that was grabbed by Len Ikitau, and a pass later Campbell Ridl showed his gas to score.
McParland and Exeter hooker Max Norey limped off but there was no let up in the pace, with composure at the crucial moments stopping chances being taken at both ends.
Ethan Roots produced a thunderous tackle on Fin Smith but in the 32nd minute the England fly-half took his revenge by diving over after Alex Coles’ storming break had propelled Northampton on to the front foot.
Exeter responded on the brink of half-time when a line-out throw failed to find its intended jumper, instead falling to Josh Iosefa-Scott who rampaged through for a try.
Committed defending kept Saints out as they probed dangerously and a tight contest produced an important moment when Josh Kemeny was sent to the sin-bin for making head contact with Dafydd Jenkins.
When play resumed, Jenkins punished Northampton by rounding off an attack and Exeter led for the first time, but the Wales second row was then shown a yellow card for a dangerous tackle.
Mitchell lost control of the ball while in the act of scoring in another costly mistake as opportunities continued to pass Saints by, but they finally pounced in the 65th minute when Hendy finished in the right corner after an attack from deep.
Smith then grubbered ahead for Hendy to claim his second and Northampton were over the line as worthy 2026 Prem champions.
