Round 3 delivered more drama and reinforced the early pecking order in the 2025–26 Premiership. Bath extended their perfect start, while Northampton Saints and Sale Sharks cemented their positions in the chasing pack.
At the Twickenham Stoop, Harlequins edged Saracens 20-14. Tyrone Green crossed the whitewash, and Ivan van Zyl captained the visitors, adding a South African edge to the high-stakes London derby.
In Manchester, Sale Sharks delivered a standout performance, routing Newcastle Red Bulls 57-5. Five South Africans featured. Ernst van Rhyn and Rob du Preez both scored, Hyron Andrews held the lock position, and Marius Louw marshalled the midfield. On the opposing side, Boeta Chamberlain featured in fullback for Newcastle.
At Ashton Gate, Bristol Bears edged Exeter Chiefs 18-14. Benhard Janse van Rensburg ran out in centre for Bristol. The Chiefs were without two South Africans, Joseph Dweba and Kwenzo Blose, weakening their front row presence.
In Northampton, the hosts held on 32-26 against Leicester Tigers. JJ van der Mescht started at lock for Saints, and Heinro Liebenberg flew the South African flag for the Tigers from the flank.
In Gloucester, Bath made a statement, crushing their opponents 38-17. Former Lions/Sharks flanker James Venter started for Gloucester, Franz van Wyk and Neil le Roux came off the bench for Bath and contributed to the emphatic victory.
On the log, Bath stand clear on 15 points, having won all three. Saints trail with 13, while Saracens sit third on 11. Sale Sharks occupy fourth with 10 points. Newcastle Red Bulls remain winless at the bottom, and Gloucester are second from bottom with just two points despite three defeats.
Round 4 of the English Premiership promises another weekend of high-intensity matchups. Gloucester host Bristol in a west-country clash, while Northampton Saints travel north to face Newcastle Red Bulls. Bath will look to continue their perfect start with a trip to Leicester Tigers, and Saracens meet Sale Sharks in a heavyweight contest. Exeter Chiefs welcome Harlequins to Sandy Park.
Photo: Dan Mullan/Getty Images
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