Key events
Ugo Monye – now there’s a fella who knows a thing or two about running rugby.
The former Harlequins, England and British & Irish Lions winger has penned a column calling on Saints and Bath to have a go, leave nothing to chance and let the ball do the talking.
It’s always a special moment when teams pull up to the grand old stadium.
Before we get stuck into the festivities, allow Rob Kitson to offer some perspective.
I promise, unless something crazy happens, it’ll all be upbeat from here on.
Can Finn take Bath to the promised land?
Rugby is a team sport, but it’s hard not to focus on Finn Russell. There’s a case to be made that he’s the world’s best 10 and he’s had an instant impact in the West Country, steering Bath to a first final since 2015 and 80 minutes away from a first title in 28 years.
If that loose trio gets on top he’ll have a field day and with a midfield of Cameron Redpath and Ollie Lawrence forming a formidable duo, Bath will fancy their chances of an upset.
Bath: Gallagher’ Cokanasiga, Lawrence, Redpath, Muir; Russell, Spencer (c); Obano, Dunn, Du Toit, Roux, Ewels, Hill, Underhill, Barbeary.
Replacements: Annett, Schoeman, Stuart, Stooke, Bayliss, Schreuder, Bailey, Reid.
𝙏𝙀𝘼𝙈’𝙎 𝙐𝙋! 💥🔵⚫️⚪️
Captain Ben Spencer will lead the Blue, Black and White out at Twickenham tomorrow at the Gallagher Premiership Final.
All eyes are on the prize. Make sure you bring the noise! 👊
— Bath Rugby (@BathRugby) June 7, 2024
Final showdown for Courtney
Will it be a famous final act for one of England’s modern greats? The giant Courtney Lawes skippers the side that starts as favourites this afternoon.
Around him is a mobile pack that will look to give their blistering backline enough front ball to cause chaos. And keep an eye on the 21-year-old with ginger hair, George Hendy, off the bench.
Northampton Saints: Furbank; Freeman, Odendaal, Dingwall, Sleightholme; Smith, Mitchell; Waller, Langdon, Davison, Moon, Coles, Lawes (c), Pearson, Augustus.
Replacements: Matavesi, Iyogun, Millar Mills, Mayanavanua, Graham, Ludlam, James, Hendy.
Preamble
Daniel Gallan
Today, years of hurt finally come to an end. How many exactly will be determined by which captain hoists aloft English club rugby’s most glittering prize.
Should Bath’s Ben Spencer climb the podium as Premiership champion, he will erase a 28 year itch. It was 1996 the last time this famous club claimed top honours in the league. Back then it was simply called Division 1 and the game was barely professional. It’s been a long old wait for those who fill The Rec every week.
The drought hasn’t been as prolonged for Northampton, who were Premiership champions in 2014. But a decade is a long time in this sport and, after sitting on top of the league since December, there’s an expectation that Phil Dowson’s freewheeling side, one that can cut any opponent to shreds on their day, will get the job done.
This is the first title decider without either Exeter or Saracens in 11 years, so the occasion already has a fresh feel to it. This could be the start of a generational rivalry that dominates the Premiership for years to come.
But first, one of them has to etch their name on the trophy.
Kick-off at 3pm at Twickenham.
Teams, updates and other bits to come.
