Bath Rugby wins Premiership Cup, ending 17-year trophy drought

Bath Rugby ended a 17-year trophy drought by winning the Premiership Rugby Cup with a decisive 48-14 victory over Exeter Chiefs at Sandy Park. The match showcased Bath's dominance, particularly in the second half, where they scored seven tries, including two from Tom Dunn and one each from Tom Carr-Smith, Joe Cokanasiga, Thomas du Toit, Ewan Richards, and Louis Schreuder. Ciaran Donoghue contributed 13 points from the tee, while Exeter managed only two tries from Christ Tshiunza and Scott Sio. This victory marks Bath's first silverware since the 2008 European Challenge Cup and hints at a potential treble, as they currently lead the Gallagher Premiership and advance in the European Challenge Cup. The win is a significant turnaround for a club that once dominated English rugby in the 1980s and 90s but has faced a long period of underachievement. In contrast, Exeter's defeat continues a disappointing season for the team, which is struggling near the bottom of the Premiership table.