Northampton Saints currently hold the Gallagher Premiership title following their 25–21 victory over Bath Rugby in the 2024 final at Twickenham. While the 2024–25 season remains in progress, the league has seen five different champions in the last five completed campaigns, reflecting the heightened parity within English top-flight rugby.
Who won the last five Premiership Rugby titles?
The Gallagher Premiership has experienced a period of significant turnover at the top of the table. According to official Premiership Rugby records, the last five completed seasons produced five different winners, highlighting the competitive nature of the tournament.
- 2023–24: Northampton Saints
- 2022–23: Saracens
- 2021–22: Leicester Tigers
- 2020–21: Harlequins
- 2019–20: Exeter Chiefs
How the 2024 final unfolded
The most recent title decider, held on June 8, 2024, saw Northampton Saints secure their first Premiership trophy since 2014. BBC Sport reported that a 73rd-minute try from scrum-half Alex Mitchell proved the difference. The match was defined by a first-half red card issued to Bath prop Beno Obano, which forced the Somerset side to play with 14 men for the majority of the contest. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Bath remained competitive, but the Saints’ late surge confirmed a 25–21 victory.
Recent trends in championship play
The league’s recent history shows that finishing at the top of the regular-season table does not guarantee a trophy. While the format rewards consistency, the play-off structure often favors teams that peak during the postseason.
Comparison of Recent Champions
| Season | Champion | Final Score | Runner-up |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023–24 | Northampton Saints | 25–21 | Bath Rugby |
| 2022–23 | Saracens | 35–25 | Sale Sharks |
| 2021–22 | Leicester Tigers | 15–12 | Saracens |
| 2020–21 | Harlequins | 40–38 | Exeter Chiefs |
| 2019–20 | Exeter Chiefs | 19–13 | Wasps |
Why parity defines the modern era
The diversity of winners stems from a combination of salary cap regulations and the high-stakes nature of the knockout format. Since the introduction of the current play-off system, teams outside the regular-season top spot have frequently claimed the title.
The 2020–21 season serves as the most prominent example of this volatility. Harlequins entered the play-offs after a mid-table finish, only to defeat the Bristol Bears—who had topped the regular-season standings—in a high-scoring semi-final. According to The Guardian, Harlequins then overcame a deficit against Exeter Chiefs in the final to win 40–38, demonstrating that momentum often overrides regular-season statistics when the title is on the line.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Premiership final held?
The Gallagher Premiership final is traditionally hosted at the Allianz Stadium (Twickenham), the home of the Rugby Football Union.
How often does the same team win the title?
The league has not seen a repeat champion since Saracens won back-to-back titles in 2018 and 2019. The last five years have featured five unique winners, indicating a high level of competition across the board.
What happens if the final ends in a draw?
Under current Premiership Rugby regulations, if the scores are level after 80 minutes, the match enters extra time. If the deadlock persists, the team that scored the most tries during the match is typically declared the winner. If that also remains tied, a place-kicking competition would determine the champion.