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Sunday 8th March 2026 4 min read

RUGBY CUP SEMI-FINALS SUNDAY: THE ROAD TO WEMBLEY

Two massive semi-finals. Four of English rugby's heavyweight clubs. One prize: a trip to Wembley for the Premiership Rugby Cup Final. This is knockout rugby at its finest, and we've got both matches live at The Bedford.

🏉 SEMI-FINAL 1: EXETER CHIEFS vs NORTHAMPTON SAINTS

PREMIERSHIP RUGBY CUP SEMI-FINAL 1:30 PM
EXETER CHIEFS VS NORTHAMPTON SAINTS

🔍 What's At Stake

  • 🏆 Winner goes to Wembley for the final
  • 🏟️ Sandy Park fortress vs Saints' travelling army
  • ⚔️ Two clubs with silverware ambitions this season

The Chiefs welcome Northampton to Sandy Park in what promises to be an absolute cracker. Exeter have been formidable at home this season, and Rob Baxter's men will be desperate to add another final to their calendar. But Saints arrive with serious firepower — Phil Dowson's squad have been playing some of the most exciting rugby in England this season.

The key battle: Exeter's rolling maul and driving lineout has been devastating all season. If Saints can't find a way to disrupt it, they'll be in trouble. But Northampton's backline has the pace and creativity to punish any lapses — if they get ball in hand, they'll make it count.

Expect a physical, intense first half with both teams feeling each other out. The side that manages territory and keeps discipline in the final quarter will punch their ticket to Wembley.

🏉 SEMI-FINAL 2: LEICESTER TIGERS vs BATH

PREMIERSHIP RUGBY CUP SEMI-FINAL 4:00 PM
LEICESTER TIGERS VS BATH

🔍 What's At Stake

  • 🏆 The other Wembley berth on the line
  • 🦁 Welford Road under the lights
  • 🛁 Bath hunting for silverware this season

This is a proper heavyweight clash. Welford Road will be absolutely bouncing as the Tigers look to roar their way to another final. Leicester's pack has been monstrous this season, and at home, they're a different beast entirely.

But Bath are no pushovers. Johann van Graan's side have been building something special at the Rec, and they'll fancy their chances on the road. They've got the balance of grit and flair that wins knockout games — plus some serious game-changers off the bench.

The key battle: Leicester's driving game against Bath's defensive organisation. If Tigers can get their maul moving, they're almost impossible to stop. But Bath's defence has been stingy all season — something's got to give.

📺 YOUR VIEWING SCHEDULE

SUNDAY 8TH MARCH

  • 🏉 1:30 PM — Exeter Chiefs vs Northampton Saints
  • 🏉 4:00 PM — Leicester Tigers vs Bath

Two back-to-back semi-finals means a full afternoon of top-class rugby. Get here early, grab your seat, and settle in for what should be an absolute belter of a Sunday. Both matches live on the big screens with full sound.

🏟️ WATCH THE SEMI-FINALS LIVE

Two massive rugby cup semi-finals, back-to-back, all on the big screens. Cold pints. Great company. The road to Wembley runs through The Bedford.

Call 01892 578538

Whether you're a Chiefs, Saints, Tigers or Bath fan — or just someone who appreciates proper knockout rugby — The Bedford is the place to be this Sunday. Multiple screens, great atmosphere, and the kind of tension you only get in semi-final rugby.

See you at the bar. 🍺

🏉

The Bedford Team

Your home for live sport in Tunbridge Wells