In an exciting turn of events, Saracens and Bristol Bears have emerged as the final two teams to clinch their places in the Premiership Women’s Rugby play-offs. Saracens secured their position with a hard-fought victory over Exeter Chiefs, while Bristol Bears benefited from this result to lock in their play-off spot. The race for top-four positions has been intense, with Gloucester-Hartpury already securing the top seed and a home semi-final against Bristol. Harlequins and Saracens will determine their semi-final venue based on their upcoming matches.

The path to the play-offs was not without its challenges. Saracens, currently holding the second position, faced off against Exeter Chiefs in a crucial match that ended with a 21-12 win for Saracens. This victory was pivotal as it not only solidified their place but also ensured Bristol Bears' entry into the play-offs. Earlier, Dave Ward’s team had kept their play-off hopes alive by defeating Harlequins, who were already assured of a top-four finish. Meanwhile, Gloucester-Hartpury claimed the top spot after overcoming Sale in a high-scoring encounter, setting up a semi-final clash with Bristol Bears.

Saracens’ match against Exeter Chiefs was marked by an early setback when Nancy McGillivray scored for Exeter. However, Saracens quickly regained momentum with tries from Sophie Bridger, May Campbell, and Poppy Cleall before halftime, giving them a commanding lead. In the second half, despite Claudia MacDonald’s effort to narrow the gap, Saracens managed to hold on to their advantage. Elsewhere, Leicester recorded a rare victory, defeating Trailfinders in a thrilling game that saw multiple tries from both sides, though this win did little to change their overall standings.

The stage is now set for the semi-finals, where the top four teams will vie for a place in the grand final. With Gloucester-Hartpury and Bristol already confirmed for one semi-final, all eyes are on the remaining matches to see which teams will host the other semi-final. The competition promises to be fierce, with each team eager to claim the ultimate prize in women’s Premiership rugby.