In a thrilling Round Eight encounter of the 2025/26 Gallagher Premiership, Northampton Saints delivered a commanding performance to end Bath Rugby’s unbeaten home streak. The champions suffered a 41-21 defeat at The Recreation Ground, four days shy of a full calendar year undefeated on home turf in Premiership play.
Northampton’s splendid display of running rugby was spearheaded by England internationals Tommy Freeman and Henry Pollock. Freeman dazzled with a hat-trick of tries, while Pollock contributed two tries of his own. Despite resting key players such as Fin Smith and Alex Mitchell, the Saints ran in six tries compared to Bath’s three, leapfrogging the hosts to top the table as the season heads into 2026.
Bath had not lost at home since December 6, 2024, in the European Champions Cup to La Rochelle. However, they failed to secure a bonus point this time, with Ollie Lawrence’s late fumble denying a final consolation try.
READ MORE: Somerset Council Likely to Forego Appeal on 112-Home Development in Taunton
READ MORE: South West Darts Stars Advance to PDC World Championship Last 16
The visitors set the tone early, with Freeman slicing through Bath’s defense unchallenged in the third minute, converted by Anthony Belleau. Bath responded through prop Thomas du Toit, supported by a clever offload from Josh Bayliss, and Ben Spencer’s accurate kicking helped them momentarily gain the lead when Tom Dunn powered over from a catch-and-drive.
Northampton played fearlessly despite a sin-bin to Ed Prowse following a clash of heads, demonstrating resilience and clinical finishing. Archie McParland’s breakaway try and Belleau’s conversion nudged the Saints back ahead, though a Freeman try was controversially disallowed.
Bath clawed their way back early in the second half, with du Toit’s second try converted by Finn Russell. Yet Northampton’s relentless pace proved decisive. George Hendy’s break from deep set up Pollock’s first try at the posts, securing the vital try bonus point.
Bath struggled against the relentless pressure and creativity from Northampton’s attack. Pollock’s second try extended the lead despite a sin-bin to replacement hooker Dan Frost. Belleau’s penalty further stretched the advantage before Freeman sealed the emphatic victory with his third try late on.
The loss marked a rare setback for Bath but highlighted Northamption’s strength and depth this season as they challenge for the Gallagher Premiership crown.
Bath Rugby: Tom de Glanville, Joe Cokanasiga, Ollie Lawrence, Max Ojomoh, Henry Arundell, Finn Russell, Ben Spencer, Beno Obano, Tom Dunn, Thomas du Toit, Quinn Roux, Ross Molony, Josh Bayliss, Sam Underhill, Miles Reid
Replacements: Dan Frost, Francois van Wyk, Archie Griffin, Ted Hill, Guy Pepper, Tom Carr-Smith, Santi Carreras, Chris Harris
Northampton Saints: George Hendy, Edoardo Todaro, Tommy Freeman, Rory Hutchinson, James Ramm, Anthony Belleau, Archie McParlan, Emmanuel Iyogun, Robbie Smith, Trevor Davison, Ed Prowse, Chunya Munga, Callum Chick (c), Sam Graham, Henry Pollock
Replacements: Henry Walker, Oliver Scola, Elliot Millar Mills, Archie Benson, Fyn Brown, Tom James, Henry Lumley, Ollie Sleightholme
Referee: Craig Maxwell-Keys
Assistant Referees: Hamish Smales & Jonathan Healy
TMO: Dan Jones