Exeter Chiefs Secure Vital Win Over Leicester Tigers
Andrea Zambonin scored his first-ever Premiership try, contributing to Exeter Chiefs' 35-26 victory against Leicester Tigers at Mattioli Woods Welford Road, propelling Exeter back into the Premiership play-off positions.
Tries for Leicester came from George Pearson, Olly Cracknell, and Charlie Clare, with Orlando Bailey converting one try and kicking three penalties. Exeter's tries were scored by Olly Woodburn (two), Len Ikitau, and Andrea Zambonin, with Henry Slade converting three tries and adding three penalties.
Olly Woodburn opened the scoring for Exeter early in the match, but Leicester's debutant George Pearson responded with a try of his own. Orlando Bailey's three first-half penalties were countered by Henry Slade's two for Exeter.
Shortly after halftime, Len Ikitau scored to put Exeter ahead and later assisted Woodburn for his second try 11 minutes later. Woodburn was then shown a yellow card for a deliberate knock-on with 22 minutes remaining, allowing Leicester to intensify their pressure.
Under this pressure, Olly Cracknell powered over for Leicester, and Charlie Clare's try put the Tigers ahead by one point with 11 minutes left. However, Andrea Zambonin's try in the left corner four minutes later secured a try-scoring bonus point and a crucial win for Exeter.
Henry Slade's late penalty prevented Leicester from earning a losing bonus point, but the Tigers remain third in the table, two points behind second-placed Bath and three points ahead of Exeter. The upcoming match between Bath and Leicester will determine home advantage in the play-offs.
Match Context and Impact on Premiership Standings
Exeter's victory marked Leicester's first home defeat since March 2025 and moved the Chiefs into fourth place, three points clear of fifth-placed Saracens, whom they will face in their final regular-season game on Saturday.
Having witnessed wins by Saracens and Bristol on the previous Saturday, Exeter understood the importance of defeating Leicester for the first time since December 2020 to re-enter the top four.
Match Progression and Key Moments
Orlando Bailey opened the scoring with an early penalty, but Exeter's England winger Immanuel Feyi-Waboso produced an impressive run from deep inside his own half, evading multiple defenders before passing to Woodburn, who scored under the posts.
Henry Slade added a penalty for Exeter before George Pearson scored his first Premiership try after 14 minutes, capitalizing on a well-placed kick from Bailey. Adam Radwan had a try disallowed on the half-hour mark due to inconclusive video evidence, but Bailey maintained pressure with a second penalty.
Slade responded with a second penalty seven minutes before halftime, and Bailey kicked a final penalty before the break as Leicester pressed for a try.
Shortly after the restart, Ikitau scored in the left corner following a break by teammate Tom Hooper, which established field position inside Leicester's 22. Ten minutes later, Ikitau assisted Woodburn for his second try with 27 minutes remaining.
Woodburn received a yellow card for a deliberate knock-on five minutes later, allowing Leicester to dominate territory near Exeter's try line. Their persistence paid off when Olly Cracknell scored after the Tigers' pack won a scrum close to the visitors' line.
Exeter, back to full strength, delivered the decisive score with seven minutes remaining. Harvey Skinner's exceptional 35-metre looping pass found Italian lock Andrea Zambonin on the wing, who dived into the left corner to secure victory.
Henry Slade added a penalty in the final minute, sealing a win that also ended Bristol Bears' hopes of reaching the top four. Exeter's upcoming match against Saracens will determine the semi-finalists.
Team Line-Ups
Leicester Tigers: Pearson; Radwan, Wand, Bailey, Hassell-Collins; Titcombe, Van Poortvliet; Smith, Blamire, Heyes, Martin, Chessum (c), Liebenberg, Reffell, Moro.
Replacements: Clare, Van der Flier, Hurd, Henderson, Watson, Cracknell, Whiteley, Kata.
Exeter Chiefs: Woodburn; Feyi-Waboso, Slade, Ikitau, Ridl; Skinner, Varney; Sio, Norey, Iosefa-Scott, Jenkins (c), Zambonin, Hooper, Roots, Fisilau.
Replacements: Dweba, Burger, Tchumbadze, Tuima, Tshiunza, Cairns, Wimbush, Brown-Bampoe.
