Exeter Chiefs denied by a late Bath try in dramatic start to 2026 rugby

Arthur Green scored with the final play as Bath survived an extraordinary Exeter Chiefs comeback to claim a dramatic Premiership victory.

Bath looked set for a rout after Exeter winger Campbell Ridl was shown a 20-minute red card just two minutes in. The hosts ruthlessly took advantage, racing into a 26-0 lead through tries from Beno Obano, Alfie Barbeary, Santiago Carreras and Ollie Lawrence, the latter scoring Bath’s bonus-point try before Exeter were back to their full complement.

But Exeter, transformed this season, showed remarkable resilience. Hooker Joseph Dweba powered over before the break and Ollie Woodburn finished in the corner after a pinpoint kick from Henry Slade to cut the deficit.

Momentum swung decisively after half-time. Bath had a Ben Spencer try ruled out and struggled to regain territory as the Chiefs piled on pressure. Greg Fisilau crossed from close range before Immanuel Feyi-Waboso’s corner finish completed the comeback to level the scores at 26-26, echoing Exeter’s season-opening fightback against Northampton.

Just when it seemed the Chiefs would escape again, Bath produced one final surge. After 38 phases of relentless pressure, replacement Green forced his way over in the dying seconds to seal victory.

The win, Bath’s seventh of the season, moves them two points clear of Exeter in a tightly packed top four.