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The Rise of Henry Pollock As Henry Pollock idly plays with the straggly end of his blond rat’s tail on a sunny day in Northampton, he looks wholly at ease. There are more microphones in front of him than anyone else, but that’s fine. Exeter are preparing to hit him with everything they can muster, but that’s fine too. If you’re aspiring to stand out from the crowd, it’s all part of the deal. Pollock's Journey to the Premiership Final English rugby’s most exuberant young talent has been catching up fast ever since: two tries in Cardiff on his full England debut, a British & Irish Lions tour to Australia, a Champions Cup final. For a 21-year-old, it is a striking CV. But securing a Prem title alongside his best mates and then taking down the world champion Springboks in Johannesburg on 4 July really would allow him to live out his childhood dreams. The Mental Approach Pollock has been using visualisation techniques to make himself even more effective in the split-second moments that separate great players from the merely good. “I visualise moments in games: what I’m going to do next, whether I am going to go for a jackal or leave it or talk to the referee. The Impact on Northampton Saints The kinship within the current Saints’ squad is so strong, however, that stopping them will not be easy. “We are such good friends off the pitch,” stresses Pollock. With his pace, skills, and mental approach, he could be a key player for Saints and England. The Future Outlook Do the same against Exeter, who will also be looking to come hard at him, and Steve Borthwick will be left with vanishingly few reasons not to start him for England this summer. Whether he is roaming free, winning clearouts, catching lineouts or his energetic support running, the fresh prince of Franklin’s Gardens has the full range of tools. All he needs is slightly more top-end experience and, on occasions, a touch more maturity.

Feyi-Waboso's Road to Recovery Manny Feyi-Waboso has been declared fit to return for Exeter in this weekend’s Prem final at Twickenham. England’s star winger underwent facial surgery barely two weeks ago but, in a major boost for the Chiefs, is available for his side’s showdown with Northampton and, potentially, England’s Test against South Africa on 4 July. The Decision-Making Process Rob Baxter, Exeter's director of rugby, said the decision was ultimately taken by Feyi-Waboso himself after England’s medical team indicated they had no objections to him playing. The 23-year-old had a plate inserted in his jaw this month but is now free to bolster the Chiefs’ efforts to secure a first Prem title since 2020. Assessing the Impact “All the information is very, very positive,” said Baxter, keen for Exeter to show the absolute best of themselves on their return to Twickenham. “It’s not like there’s damage that needs protecting so let’s get on with it now. Preparations and Expectations Exeter are also set to be boosted by the return of their England back-row Ethan Roots, who missed the dramatic semi-final win over Bath because he was still going through precautionary head injury protocols. The wing Campbell Ridl has also been declared fit after being withdrawn early at the Recreation Ground with a bruised knee. The Road Ahead Given their ninth-placed finish in last season’s table, the Chiefs were not widely expected to reach this week’s final but Baxter has been stressing the importance of making the most of the opportunity now in front of them. “Winning the final’s not the hard part, the hard part is getting here,” Baxter said.

Benhard Janse van Rensburg is poised to make his England debut off the bench in Friday’s non‑cap international against a France XV at Stade de la Rabine in Vannes. Although he will not meet the residency qualification until 8 July, the fixture’s non‑test status permits his inclusion. England's Non‑Cap Clash in Vannes: Janse van Rensburg Named on the Bench The match serves as a curtain‑raiser for England’s upcoming three‑continent tour, with Max Ojomoh and Seb Atkinson forming the starting centre partnership. Janse van Rensburg will replace one of them during the game, providing a first look at his integration into the squad. Eligibility Rules Allow a Non‑Qualified Player in a Non‑Test Fixture Residency qualification date for Janse van Rensburg: 8 July 2026 Match classification: non‑cap (not a full Test) Result: Player may be selected despite not meeting standard residency criteria Strategic Squad Rotation Ahead of the Nations Championship Head coach Steve Borthwick used the Vannes fixture to assess depth ahead of the Nations Championship, where England will face South Africa in Johannesburg on 4 July. The lineup also features Noah Caluori on the wing, George Ford as captain, and a back‑line of Harry Randall, Marcus Smith, and others, while players from Premiership finalists Northampton and Exeter were unavailable. What Janse van Rensburg’s Inclusion Signals for Future England Selections By fielding a player not yet eligible for a full cap, England signals a willingness to broaden its talent pool and test emerging centres in a competitive environment. If Janse van Rensburg impresses, he could be in contention for a full Test debut once his residency period ends, adding depth to England’s midfield options for the remainder of the season.

Lead: Mitchell’s Surprise Shot at the Premiership FinalAlex Mitchell, the England scrum-half, is being considered for a return to Northampton Saints’ match‑day squad for the Premiership final against Exeter Chiefs at Allianz Stadium on Saturday. A recent hamstring setback had seemed to end his season, but recent medical updates have revived hopes of a cameo.Mitchell’s Potential Return to the Prem Final SquadThe 29‑year‑old suffered a hamstring tear during an England training camp in Bagshot last month and later a second hamstring injury that kept him out for two months following England’s Six Nations loss to Ireland. Club director of rugby Phil Dowson previously voiced frustration, yet now suggests there is “a chance” Mitchell could feature for limited minutes.Injury Timeline and Player Availability StatsJune 2026: Hamstring tear at England camp – ruled out for remainder of domestic season.February 2026: Second hamstring tear after Six Nations defeat – sidelined for two months.Mid‑June 2026: Medical clearance discussions between Phil Morrow (England head of performance) and Saints’ medical team.Age: 29; Position: Scrum‑half.What Mitchell’s Fit Means for Saints and EnglandFor the Saints, Mitchell offers a proven play‑maker who can relieve pressure on young Archie McParland and maintain the attacking rhythm that propelled them to a second Premiership crown in three seasons. England coach Steve Borthwick will also benefit, as he finalises his squad for the July Nations Championship in South Africa.Outlook for the Final and Upcoming Nations ChampionshipIf cleared, Mitchell is likely to be used as an impact substitute, providing fresh legs in the latter stages of the final. His involvement could also set a positive tone for England’s preparation ahead of the 4 July test against the Springboks, signalling that elite‑level players can recover quickly even after a demanding club season.

The Dramatic Turnaround Exeter Chiefs have achieved a remarkable comeback to defeat Bath Rugby 27-26 in their Premiership playoff match. The Chiefs were down by 16 points at halftime but managed to score 17 unanswered points in the second half to secure the win. First-Half Dominance Bath Rugby dominated the first half, with their set piece proving strong and Alfie Barbeary scattering defenders. The tries followed inevitably, with Bath scoring four tries in the first half. Exeter's Henry Slade was yellow-carded in the 11th minute, which Bath capitalized on to build a lead. The Shift in Momentum The second half saw a dramatic shift in momentum as Exeter changed their entire front row, which seemed to transform their performance. Ben Hammersley, Greg Fisilau, and Ethan Burger scored tries for Exeter, while Bath's Joe Cokanasiga was yellow-carded in the final quarter. The Impact of the Win This win marks Exeter's chance to become the first team to win the Premiership from third place. They will face Northampton at Twickenham next weekend in the final. Exeter has never lost a playoff match, and this win breathes further life into the competition. The Future Outlook This dramatic comeback win for Exeter Chiefs showcases the unpredictable nature of rugby union. With Northampton awaiting them in the final, Exeter will look to continue their momentum and make history by winning the Premiership from third place.

Northampton Saints' JJ van der Mescht is a force to be reckoned with on the rugby field. Standing at an impressive 6ft 7in and weighing 23st, he is the joint-heaviest player in the Premiership. His size and strength make him a major collision threat, and his skills have earned him a spot in South Africa's alignment squad.Van der Mescht, 26, has a unique playing style that has drawn comparisons to Australia's Will Skelton. He is too heavy to be lifted regularly in the lineout, but his ability to give his team vital post-contact metres makes him a valuable asset. His director of rugby, Phil Dowson, describes him as 'a fly-half trapped in a second-row's body.'The South African lock has a personal connection with Bath prop Thomas du Toit, with whom he played as a youngster at the Sharks in Durban. He is eager to bump into his old friend during the match, and he expects a fierce encounter. Van der Mescht has dropped seven kilos since joining Northampton and currently weighs 146kg. He credits the club with rekindling his love for rugby, saying that he now enjoys the game again and feels happy.Van der Mescht's impressive performance has put him back on the South African radar, and he may be considered for the Springboks in the future. For now, he is focused on helping Northampton overcome Bath in the Champions Cup quarter-final. The match could be a prelude to another battle between England's top two sides in the Premiership final.