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	<title>Exeter Chiefs Articles &amp; Updates - cottenhamnews</title>
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	<lastBuildDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 23:17:26 +0000</lastBuildDate>
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		<title>Ulster vs exeter</title>
		<link>https://cottenhamnews.org.uk/ulster-vs-exeter/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Emily Clarke]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 23:17:26 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[EPCR Challenge Cup]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[European rugby]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Exeter Chiefs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Richie Murphy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[rugby match]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sports news]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ulster Rugby]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ulster vs exeter]]></category>
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					<description><![CDATA[<p>Ulster Rugby's decision to rest key players led to a significant victory over Exeter Chiefs, marking their first European final in 20 years.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://cottenhamnews.org.uk/ulster-vs-exeter/">Ulster vs exeter</a> appeared first on <a href="https://cottenhamnews.org.uk">cottenhamnews</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Ulster Rugby&#8217;s strategic gamble to rest players paid off as they secured a place in their first European final in two decades by defeating the Exeter Chiefs <strong>29-12</strong> in the EPCR Challenge Cup semi-final on May 2, 2026, at Affidea Stadium, Belfast.</p>
<p>Before this match, expectations were high for Exeter, who aimed to capitalize on their recent form. The game started slowly, remaining scoreless until the 27th minute when Ulster finally broke the deadlock. They scored four tries during the match, showcasing their offensive strength.</p>
<p><strong>Key statistics from the match:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Ulster scored <strong>29</strong> points compared to Exeter&#8217;s <strong>12</strong>.</li>
<li>The match was scoreless until the <strong>27th minute</strong>.</li>
<li>Ulster had <strong>four</strong> tries while Exeter had <strong>two</strong> disallowed.</li>
<li>Nick Timoney made <strong>16</strong> tackles throughout the game.</li>
<li>The match featured <strong>nine</strong> first-half turnovers for Exeter.</li>
</ul>
<p>This victory marks Ulster&#8217;s first appearance in a European semi-final in <strong>20 years</strong>. Coach Richie Murphy made <strong>14</strong> changes to the lineup from their previous match against Munster, a decision that ultimately proved successful. Murphy expressed his pride: &#8220;This is our first European semi-final in 20 years, at home; it&#8217;s a massive occasion in itself.&#8221;</p>
<p>The impact of this win extends beyond just reaching the final. Ulster will now face either Montpellier or Dragons on May 22, putting them just <strong>80 minutes</strong> away from ending their trophy drought that has lasted since 2006. Juarno Augustus was named player of the match for his outstanding performance.</p>
<p>This strategic approach and subsequent victory highlight Ulster&#8217;s potential resurgence in European rugby. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how this momentum will carry into the final.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://cottenhamnews.org.uk/ulster-vs-exeter/">Ulster vs exeter</a> appeared first on <a href="https://cottenhamnews.org.uk">cottenhamnews</a>.</p>
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		<title>Bath Rugby Faces Northampton Saints in Champions Cup Quarter-Finals</title>
		<link>https://cottenhamnews.org.uk/bath-rugby-faces-northampton-saints-in-champions-cup/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Charlotte Hughes]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 05 Apr 2026 11:34:45 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bath Rugby]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Champions Cup]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Exeter Chiefs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gallagher Premiership]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Northampton Saints]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rhys Carre]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sam Harris]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Saracens]]></category>
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					<description><![CDATA[<p>Bath Rugby is set to host Northampton Saints in the quarter-finals of the Investec Champions Cup, following a challenging period.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://cottenhamnews.org.uk/bath-rugby-faces-northampton-saints-in-champions-cup/">Bath Rugby Faces Northampton Saints in Champions Cup Quarter-Finals</a> appeared first on <a href="https://cottenhamnews.org.uk">cottenhamnews</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2>How it unfolded</h2>
<p>On April 10, 2026, Bath Rugby will host Northampton Saints at the Recreation Ground in Bath for the quarter-finals of the Investec Champions Cup. This match comes after a challenging period for Bath Rugby, who suffered a heavy defeat to Saracens in the Gallagher Premiership just two weeks prior. The team is looking to bounce back and prove their capabilities on home turf.</p>
<p>In the lead-up to this crucial match, Bath Rugby has been preparing intensively. Rhys Carre, a key player for Saracens, reflected on their previous encounter, stating, &#8220;We weren&#8217;t at our best last time we played there, far from it. But we showed a lot of improvement last week against Northampton which we have continued to build on this week.&#8221; This sentiment underscores the importance of the upcoming match as both teams aim to secure a place in the semi-finals.</p>
<p>Bath Rugby&#8217;s recent performance has raised concerns, particularly following their defeat to Saracens, where they struggled to find their rhythm. However, the team is determined to leverage their home advantage against Northampton Saints, who recently scored an impressive 49 points against Castres Olympique, showcasing their offensive capabilities.</p>
<p>Tickets for the quarter-final match will be available for purchase directly through the Bath Rugby online ticket shop, with sales commencing at 10 AM on April 8. All tickets will be Print@Home e-tickets, emphasizing the club&#8217;s commitment to a streamlined fan experience. The deadline for returning any unsold tickets is set for April 8, ensuring that all arrangements are finalized ahead of the match.</p>
<p>In a notable development, Sam Harris, who made 14 senior appearances for Bath Rugby, has signed a two-year deal with Exeter Chiefs starting from the 2026/27 season. Harris expressed his excitement about the move, stating, &#8220;I’m really excited to be joining Exeter Chiefs. It’s a club with a strong identity, an amazing fan base and a record of competing at the highest level.&#8221; This transition highlights the competitive nature of rugby and the ongoing evolution of team rosters.</p>
<p>As Bath Rugby prepares for the quarter-finals, the stakes are high. The outcome of this match will not only determine their progression in the Champions Cup but also serve as a critical moment for the team&#8217;s morale and future prospects. The players and coaching staff are aware of the significance of this game, especially after the recent setback against Saracens.</p>
<p>In summary, Bath Rugby is gearing up for a pivotal clash against Northampton Saints in the Investec Champions Cup quarter-finals. With the match set to kick off at 8 PM, fans are eagerly anticipating a display of resilience and skill from their team. The upcoming game represents a chance for Bath Rugby to reclaim their standing in the tournament and demonstrate their growth as a competitive force in rugby.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://cottenhamnews.org.uk/bath-rugby-faces-northampton-saints-in-champions-cup/">Bath Rugby Faces Northampton Saints in Champions Cup Quarter-Finals</a> appeared first on <a href="https://cottenhamnews.org.uk">cottenhamnews</a>.</p>
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