PREM Rugby semi-finals: Permutations, fixtures, dates, kick-off times and how to watch as first team confirmed

Louis Chapman Coombe 31 May 2026 11:51 AM

Northampton Saints players v Gloucester in 2026 — Northampton Saints players celebrating following their win over Gloucester in round 17 of the PREM

Northampton Saints have secured a home semi-final, following their bonus-point victory over Gloucester at Franklin’s Gardens on Saturday.

The two-time champions had already booked their place in the PREM play-offs a few weeks ago, but now become the first side to secure a home tie in the upcoming knock-out stages.

Northampton Saints secure home play-off tie

Northampton’s win, coupled with Bath’s defeat to Bristol, ensures the Saints will end the regular season at the top of the table for the second time in three years, and also booking them in for the opening play-off fixture on Friday, June 12.

Their opponent is yet to be confirmed, with Saracens, Exeter Chiefs and the Bears only able to secure their play-off spot next weekend when they meet at Sandy Park.

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At the time of writing, Saracens are heading to Franklin’s Gardens after their bonus-point win over Harlequins yesterday (Saturday, May 30), but Exeter can leapfrog them today (Sunday, May 31) should they beat Leicester.

The Chiefs can go level with Saracens in defeat, should they pick up two losing bonus points, too, but the Londoners have won more games than the Devonians and that would keep them fourth.

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Bristol can also get into fourth, but need Exeter to lose to Leicester today, then win with a bonus point next weekend against Sale Sharks and either next week’s meeting at Sandy Park to end in a draw and for neither side to collect bonus points or Exeter win without a bonus point given the Bears are on two more victories than the Devonians.

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Elsewhere, Leicester and Bath will be fighting over the last remaining home tie, which is pencilled in for Saturday, June 13. Even with the result next weekend, they are set to play one another again in that knock-out fixture, with the aforementioned trio unable to beat their current points tally, but the venue will be confirmed following their crunch meeting next weekend at the Rec.