The 2025 Gallagher Premiership semi-finals delivered everything fans could hope for—fierce rivalries, dramatic momentum swings, and match-winning moments under pressure.
Bath surged past Bristol with a second-half blitz to reach their second straight final, while Leicester edged Sale in a tense arm-wrestle at Welford Road, setting up a mouthwatering clash between two historic powerhouses.
- Bath Rugby 34 – 20 Bristol Bears
- Leicester Tigers 21 – 16 Sale Sharks
Here are all the results, recaps, and scoring highlights from the weekend:
BATH SURGE PAST BRISTOL IN SECOND HALF TO SECURE PREMIERSHIP FINAL SPOT
Bath Rugby 34 – 20 Bristol Bears (HT: 6–13)
Bath stormed into their second consecutive Premiership final with a dominant second-half performance to beat West Country rivals Bristol Bears 34–20 at the Rec. Trailing at halftime, the hosts flipped the script after the break with four unanswered tries that left Bristol chasing shadows and still searching for their first ever Premiership final appearance. Bristol controlled the opening half with a MacGinty penalty and a stunning long-range try from James Dun that showcased Kalaveti Ravouvou’s brilliance on the counter. Another MacGinty penalty stretched the lead to 13–6 at the break, with Finn Russell accounting for Bath’s only points through the tee. But the game turned quickly after halftime. Ted Hill crashed over out wide just minutes into the second period, and Joe Cokanasiga followed with a sharp finish off a deft Tom de Glanville grubber. As Bristol’s discipline waned—losing both Ravouvou and Marmion to the bin—Bath capitalized further through Will Muir and Max Ojomoh, who sealed the bonus-point try. Despite a late effort from Benhard Janse van Rensburg, Bath’s physicality and depth proved decisive. The league leaders now await the winner of Leicester vs Sale for a shot at their first title since 1996.
BATH RUGBY
- Tries: Hill (41’), Cokanasiga (48’), Muir (54’), Ojomoh (59’)
- Conversions: Russell (42', 49', 55', 60')
- Penalties: Russell (22’, 37’)
BRISTOL BEARS
- Tries: Dun (17’), Janse van Rensburg (73’)
- Conversions: MacGinty (18'), Byrne (74')
- Penalties: MacGinty (12’, 40’)
LEICESTER ROAR BACK TO HOLD OFF SALE AND BOOK PLACE IN FINAL
Leicester Tigers 21 – 16 Sale Sharks (HT: 13–3)
Leicester Tigers booked their spot in the 2025 Gallagher Premiership final with a hard-fought 21–16 win over Sale Sharks in front of a packed Welford Road. Adam Radwan scored twice in the first half, including a stunning diving finish off a Pollard cross-kick, as Leicester took early control. Pollard and Ford exchanged penalties in a tense start, but Radwan’s brace gave the hosts a 13–3 halftime cushion. Sale responded after the break through Ford’s boot and a slick try from Rob du Preez, bringing the sides level at 16–16 with 15 minutes to play. Then came the turning point: Izaia Perese made an immediate impact off the bench, slicing through the defense with his first touch to score the match-winner. Despite late pressure and several red-zone phases from the Sharks, Leicester held firm with clutch turnovers and final-stand defense. The win means Leicester return to Twickenham chasing their 12th league title, while Sale bow out after a valiant effort. It will be Tigers vs Bath in next weekend’s final.
LEICESTER TIGERS
- Tries: Radwan (20’, 28’), Perese (67’)
- Penalties: Pollard (7’, 52')
SALE SHARKS
- Tries: Rob du Preez (57’)
- Conversions: Ford (58’)
- Penalties: Ford (18’, 46’, 65’)
2025 GALLAGHER PREMIERSHIP RUGBY FINAL OVERVIEW
The final is now set: Bath vs Leicester at Twickenham next Saturday.
With Bath chasing their first title since 1996 and Leicester aiming for a record-extending 12th crown, it promises to be a showdown full of history, hunger, and high stakes.
Stay tuned for our full final preview later this week.
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