Bath Rugby v Exeter Chiefs
By thechiefstribe.com
December 30 2025
TEAMS, MATCH INFORMATION, PRE-MATCH DISCUSSION THREAD AND SCORE PREDICTIONS
Saturday 3 January 2026 at 3.05 p.m. at The Recreation Ground, Bath
Please post your score predictions in this thread
Bath Rugby v Exeter Chiefs
Posted by: thechiefstribe.com (IP Logged)
Date: 01/01/2026 14:40
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Re: Bath Rugby v Exeter Chiefs
Posted by: Lowerwatha (IP Logged)
Date: 01/01/2026 18:06
Match Officials
Referee Luke Pearce
Assistant Referees Anthony Woodthorpe and Gareth Holsgrove
TMO Dean Richards
Referee Luke Pearce
Assistant Referees Anthony Woodthorpe and Gareth Holsgrove
TMO Dean Richards
Re: Bath Rugby v Exeter Chiefs
Posted by: Lowerwatha (IP Logged)
Date: 01/01/2026 18:07
Weather Forecast
Sunny intervals and a gentle breeze from the north north west
Temperature 1 degrees will feel like -2 degrees
Precipitation is not expected
Sunny intervals and a gentle breeze from the north north west
Temperature 1 degrees will feel like -2 degrees
Precipitation is not expected
Re: Bath Rugby v Exeter Chiefs
Posted by: Lowerwatha (IP Logged)
Date: 01/01/2026 18:08
TV Coverage
Channel 408 TNT Sports 1 SD from 1430
Channel 430 TNT Sports 1 HD from 1430
Also available on Discovery +
Channel 408 TNT Sports 1 SD from 1430
Channel 430 TNT Sports 1 HD from 1430
Also available on Discovery +
Re: Bath Rugby v Exeter Chiefs
Posted by: Chief Bert (IP Logged)
Date: 02/01/2026 11:38
TMO Dean Richards, wasn't he TMO last week ? God help us!!!
Re: Bath Rugby v Exeter Chiefs
Posted by: Grandstand Viewer (IP Logged)
Date: 02/01/2026 11:45
He was and Luke is reffing again? Oh dear, not an ideal combo but lets wait and see. Just hope Harvey doesn't waste a 3 man overlap again!
Re: Bath Rugby v Exeter Chiefs
Posted by: ouch!_that_hurts (IP Logged)
Date: 02/01/2026 11:46
Exeter Chiefs:
15 Olly Woodburn
14 Immanuel Feyi-Waboso
13 Henry Slade
12 Will Rigg
11 Campbell Ridl
10 Harvey Skinner
9 Stephen Varney
1 Scott Sio
2 Joseph Dweba
3 Bachuki Tchumbadze
4 Dafydd Jenkins (c)
5 Andrea Zambonin
6 Tom Hooper
7 Ethan Roots
8 Greg Fisilau
Replacements:
16 Jack Yeandle
17 Will Goodrick-Clarke
18 Jimmy Roots
19 Rusi Tuima
20 Kane James
21 Charlie Chapman
22 Will Haydon-Wood
23 Dan John
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:01:02:11:49:38 by ouch!_that_hurts.
15 Olly Woodburn
14 Immanuel Feyi-Waboso
13 Henry Slade
12 Will Rigg
11 Campbell Ridl
10 Harvey Skinner
9 Stephen Varney
1 Scott Sio
2 Joseph Dweba
3 Bachuki Tchumbadze
4 Dafydd Jenkins (c)
5 Andrea Zambonin
6 Tom Hooper
7 Ethan Roots
8 Greg Fisilau
Replacements:
16 Jack Yeandle
17 Will Goodrick-Clarke
18 Jimmy Roots
19 Rusi Tuima
20 Kane James
21 Charlie Chapman
22 Will Haydon-Wood
23 Dan John
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:01:02:11:49:38 by ouch!_that_hurts.
Re: Bath Rugby v Exeter Chiefs
Posted by: ouch!_that_hurts (IP Logged)
Date: 02/01/2026 11:48
Bath Rugby
1 Beno Obano,
2 Tom Dunn,
3 Vilikesa Sela,
4 Enoch Opoku-Gyamfi (debut),
5 Ross Molony,
6 Ted Hill,
7 Guy Pepper,
8 Alfie Barbeary,
9 Ben Spencer ©,
10 Finn Russell,
11 Will Muir,
12 Cameron Redpath,
13 Ollie Lawrence (50),
14 Henry Arundell,
15 Santi Carreras
Replacements:
16 Kepu Tuipulotu,
17 Scott Kirk,
18 Thomas du Toit,
19 Quinn Roux,
20 Sam Underhill,
21 Tom Carr-Smith,
22 Louie Hennessey,
23 Arthur Green
1 Beno Obano,
2 Tom Dunn,
3 Vilikesa Sela,
4 Enoch Opoku-Gyamfi (debut),
5 Ross Molony,
6 Ted Hill,
7 Guy Pepper,
8 Alfie Barbeary,
9 Ben Spencer ©,
10 Finn Russell,
11 Will Muir,
12 Cameron Redpath,
13 Ollie Lawrence (50),
14 Henry Arundell,
15 Santi Carreras
Replacements:
16 Kepu Tuipulotu,
17 Scott Kirk,
18 Thomas du Toit,
19 Quinn Roux,
20 Sam Underhill,
21 Tom Carr-Smith,
22 Louie Hennessey,
23 Arthur Green
Re: Bath Rugby v Exeter Chiefs
Posted by: Chief Bert (IP Logged)
Date: 02/01/2026 11:56
I think Barf will be to hot for us as they are a wounded animal after last week and will want a response. However we do have confidence and momentum so hoping to get something from the game, Barf 26 - 21 Exeter.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:01:02:12:53:29 by Chief Bert.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:01:02:12:53:29 by Chief Bert.
Re: Bath Rugby v Exeter Chiefs
Posted by: Grandstand Viewer (IP Logged)
Date: 02/01/2026 11:56
Bath will come at us full bore after their last outing so it will be the sternest test for us so far.
Bath 25 Chiefs 20
Bath 25 Chiefs 20
Re: Bath Rugby v Exeter Chiefs
Posted by: Ljs399 (IP Logged)
Date: 02/01/2026 11:59
Needless to say that this will probably be our toughest game of the season. But with the same winning team as last week, and saints winning at bath last week I’m feeling confident.
Chiefs 32 - 28 Bath
Chiefs 32 - 28 Bath
Re: Bath Rugby v Exeter Chiefs
Posted by: Andy15.1 (IP Logged)
Date: 02/01/2026 12:13
Bath away with a full crowd always tough but think our pack will hold their own. Could go either way (please please let the officials have a good game the continual forensic dissection of each try is tedious. - same TMO as last week).
I’m going with my heart over head Bath 28 Chiefs 31
I’m going with my heart over head Bath 28 Chiefs 31
Re: Bath Rugby v Exeter Chiefs
Posted by: Not Manichean (IP Logged)
Date: 02/01/2026 12:23
It was be nice to think that this could be a preview of the Premiership final.
In which case, I'd be content to concede this one in favoured of the final itself...😅
But we do actually have to get to the knockouts so any bonus point would be a minimum requirement. Im going to hope for two
Bath 35 Ex 29
In which case, I'd be content to concede this one in favoured of the final itself...😅
But we do actually have to get to the knockouts so any bonus point would be a minimum requirement. Im going to hope for two
Bath 35 Ex 29
Re: Bath Rugby v Exeter Chiefs
Posted by: Boldeagle (IP Logged)
Date: 02/01/2026 12:29
Bath 26 -19 Chiefs
Re: Bath Rugby v Exeter Chiefs
Posted by: Undercroft90 (IP Logged)
Date: 02/01/2026 13:07
Bath are so strong and will no doubt want to get back to winning ways. They have also rotated a bit but have home advantage in a sold out Rec. Chiefs have had to do far less rotation and are showing real grit, so I’m going with heart (after much deliberation)
Bath 24 - Exeter 28
Bath 24 - Exeter 28
Re: Bath Rugby v Exeter Chiefs
Posted by: SixNineOne (IP Logged)
Date: 02/01/2026 13:25
As usual I shall ignore all rational analysis of the situation and go for Bath 26; Chiefs 31
Re: Bath Rugby v Exeter Chiefs
Posted by: Mike the shirt (IP Logged)
Date: 02/01/2026 13:39
Heart rules OK:
Bath 31 - 33 Exeter
Bath 31 - 33 Exeter
Re: Bath Rugby v Exeter Chiefs
Posted by: thestokecanon (IP Logged)
Date: 02/01/2026 14:05
Bath 26 - Chiefs 28
Re: Bath Rugby v Exeter Chiefs
Posted by: Lowerwatha (IP Logged)
Date: 02/01/2026 14:05
Bath 34 Chiefs 27
Re: Bath Rugby v Exeter Chiefs
Posted by: Chief Fire Water (IP Logged)
Date: 02/01/2026 14:22
Bath 21 Chiefs 26
Re: Bath Rugby v Exeter Chiefs
Posted by: cornwallchief (IP Logged)
Date: 02/01/2026 14:22
The battle of the back rows. Bath's team seriously strong with De ToiT and Underhill on the subs bench. How the scrum and breakdown will be reffed key. With Richards as TMO I suspect there will be some cards. We need to keep our possession and give away few penalties. Heart over head but if I am wrong I would like at leat a point. Chiefs 34 Bath 32.
Re: Bath Rugby v Exeter Chiefs
Posted by: Bodges with Badgers (IP Logged)
Date: 02/01/2026 14:32
On current form our front 5 might have the edge. Back row and backs quite evenly matched but with Manny and Olly we could outdo them under the high ball. If we're lucky a certain Scottish fly-half will have one his days when he looks like he just can't be arsed.
That said Bath have home advantage, a point to prove and some fabulous players.
That said Bath have home advantage, a point to prove and some fabulous players.
Re: Bath Rugby v Exeter Chiefs
Posted by: Scottish Chief (IP Logged)
Date: 02/01/2026 14:39
Bath away will be a tough one, but a LBP would be nice
Bath 34 - 27 Chiefs
Bath 34 - 27 Chiefs
Re: Bath Rugby v Exeter Chiefs
Posted by: dwhite805 (IP Logged)
Date: 02/01/2026 14:51
I think Bath will be really up for this after last week, however, I'm going for 2 bonus points for us Bath 32 Chiefs 26.
With our line-up who covers 9?
With our line-up who covers 9?
Re: Bath Rugby v Exeter Chiefs
Posted by: Bodges with Badgers (IP Logged)
Date: 02/01/2026 14:53
Quote:dwhite805
I think Bath will be really up for this after last week, however, I'm going for 2 bonus points for us Bath 32 Chiefs 26.
With our line-up who covers 9?
Charlie Chapman is the replacement scrum-half. Played well in the Challenge Cup.
Re: Bath Rugby v Exeter Chiefs
Posted by: Hankey (IP Logged)
Date: 02/01/2026 15:54
Bath 30 Chiefs 36
Re: Bath Rugby v Exeter Chiefs
Posted by: ExTeddChief (IP Logged)
Date: 02/01/2026 17:20
Leaning towards pessimism here. Bath 35 Chiefs 30
Re: Bath Rugby v Exeter Chiefs
Posted by: DumnoniiNomad (IP Logged)
Date: 02/01/2026 18:24
Head says a wounded Bath at home in front of a full house will be significant, but... We have to play what's in front of us, and I'm hopeful we can further dent their armour.
Bath 27 : Chiefs 31
In Rob we trust.
By the way - cream on first. There's nothing to debate.
Bath 27 : Chiefs 31
In Rob we trust.
By the way - cream on first. There's nothing to debate.
Re: Bath Rugby v Exeter Chiefs
Posted by: Chief10tank (IP Logged)
Date: 02/01/2026 18:26
Chiefs need to keep their penalty count down and thenshould have a good chance of an away win.
Re: Bath Rugby v Exeter Chiefs
Posted by: fisher (IP Logged)
Date: 02/01/2026 18:41
Heart ruling head Bath 26 - 32 Exe but I could be wrong.
Re: Bath Rugby v Exeter Chiefs
Posted by: ExeterFan (IP Logged)
Date: 02/01/2026 18:55
Looking forward to this one, unlike others i have no concern about the team of officials. Our seeming ability/requirement to give away lots of stupid penalties, often one immediately following another, is more worrying. Some rotation from them, which is to be expected, and us unchanged with probably much changing over the next few weeks. They'll be smarting from last week, we have momentum.
A LBP would be amazing from there, a TBP also would be even better. Why not...
Bath 37 Chiefs 31
A LBP would be amazing from there, a TBP also would be even better. Why not...
Bath 37 Chiefs 31
Re: Bath Rugby v Exeter Chiefs
Posted by: Rowancroft73 (IP Logged)
Date: 03/01/2026 09:33
Barf 31 Chiefs 24
Re: Bath Rugby v Exeter Chiefs
Posted by: ouch!_that_hurts (IP Logged)
Date: 03/01/2026 10:29
I'm feeling fairly positive .................. Bath 26 Chiefs 32
Re: Bath Rugby v Exeter Chiefs
Posted by: Osmium (IP Logged)
Date: 03/01/2026 11:13
I'm not feeling at all positive! But nevertheless:
Bath 29 - 32 Chiefs
Bath 29 - 32 Chiefs
Re: Bath Rugby v Exeter Chiefs
Posted by: Currychef (IP Logged)
Date: 03/01/2026 11:15
Playing away from home. Shouldn’t win this. Bath 29 Exeter 33 I hope!
Re: Bath Rugby v Exeter Chiefs
Posted by: Big Chief Little Chief (IP Logged)
Date: 03/01/2026 11:27
Any points at all from this game would be a massive success. Think we'll miss the defensive ability of Len today. They look particularly strong at 10-13 if we can stop those three playing we stand a chance. Barf at home with a point to prove will be too much I feel. Barf 31 Chiefs 19
Re: Bath Rugby v Exeter Chiefs
Posted by: Brent1 (IP Logged)
Date: 03/01/2026 14:31
A point or 2 but would be a good result to the current context - as long as they keep fighting for everything
Re: Bath Rugby v Exeter Chiefs
Posted by: Brave new world (IP Logged)
Date: 03/01/2026 17:08
The team can be very proud of that performance. 15 against 15 we were the better side I think. I hope we didn't pick up any serious injuries. Discipline was excellent. It feels wrong that a player can get a red card even though he has his eyes trained on and is going for a high ball just because the other player has jumped higher.
Re: Bath Rugby v Exeter Chiefs
Posted by: DumnoniiNomad (IP Logged)
Date: 06/01/2026 10:57
Blimey, Loweratha! You're running away with it this year!👏 No one will post now until you have! 😂
In Rob we trust.
By the way - cream on first. There's nothing to debate.
In Rob we trust.
By the way - cream on first. There's nothing to debate.
Re: Bath Rugby v Exeter Chiefs
Posted by: Lowerwatha (IP Logged)
Date: 06/01/2026 11:27
Quote:DumnoniiNomad
Blimey, Loweratha! You're running away with it this year!👏 No one will post now until you have! 😂
I hate predicting a loss and almost came unstuck this time.
Re: Bath Rugby v Exeter Chiefs
Posted by: Moorsman (IP Logged)
Date: 06/01/2026 17:42
Thought this Observer article might be of interest [observer.co.uk]
Re: Bath Rugby v Exeter Chiefs
Posted by: Ljs399 (IP Logged)
Date: 06/01/2026 19:31
Quote:Moorsman
Thought this Observer article might be of interest [observer.co.uk]
Thanks, an interesting read.
Re: Bath Rugby v Exeter Chiefs
Posted by: Not Manichean (IP Logged)
Date: 06/01/2026 21:08
Quote:Ljs399Quote:Moorsman
Thought this Observer article might be of interest [observer.co.uk]
Thanks, an interesting read.
Agreed. Thanks for posting.
Re: Bath Rugby v Exeter Chiefs
Posted by: Lowerwatha (IP Logged)
Date: 07/01/2026 05:58
Thanks Moorsman, good read!
Re: Bath Rugby v Exeter Chiefs
Posted by: DumnoniiNomad (IP Logged)
Date: 07/01/2026 17:37
Everything about matchday seems so much more positive, so it's good to see that's not just our feeling. Thanks Moorsman
In Rob we trust.
By the way - cream on first. There's nothing to debate.
In Rob we trust.
By the way - cream on first. There's nothing to debate.
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