Bath Rugby Claims Bonus Point Over Exeter To Rejoin Premiership Cup Contention
A 35-19 victory at Sandy Park moves the club to third in Pool A, while an injury to Ioan Emanuel adds to the front-row workload.
By Anthony Shevchenko ·
Bath Rugby secured a 35-19 bonus-point win against Exeter Chiefs at Sandy Park on Saturday, a result that places them third in Pool A of the 2026/27 PREM Rugby Cup with six points.
The visitors took control early in the match, scoring their first try in the fifth minute through Tom Carr-Smith. Jack Harrison added a second try in the 18th minute after collecting an offload from Arthur Green, establishing a 14-0 lead for Bath.
Mark Lilley, the club's head of Academy, described the performance as a job well done for all 23 players. He noted that the team played with speed and looked dangerous when they retained possession. Ciaran Donoghue scored a try and added 15 points with his boot, while replacement hooker Max Pearce also crossed the line.
The result brings Bath back into contention for a top spot in the group. Gloucester sits second with seven points, and Sale Sharks lead the table with 10 points after playing an additional game. Bath had previously claimed a losing bonus point in their opening match against Sale Sharks two months ago.
Lilley emphasized that the squad is well positioned with six points from two away games. The team will host their next match before traveling to play Bristol in the following week. The coach noted that senior players like Ross Molony, Ewan Richards, and Carr-Smith help guide the younger members of the squad during the training week.
The victory came with a setback for the front row. Ioan Emanuel, who was recalled from a season-long loan at Cardiff Rugby to address injury concerns, left the match in the first half. Lilley stated he had not yet received a full diagnosis but believed it was a lower-limb injury.
Bath has already lost loosehead props Scott Kirk and Jamie Bhatti to injury, with Beno Obano resting. Tighthead prop Vilikesa Sela remains sidelined with a foot injury. Will Stuart and Archie Griffin are currently away with England and Wales, respectively.
The club announced the signing of Argentine U20 prop Marcos Camerlinckx this week. He joined the squad and made his debut off the bench during the win at Exeter.
