Even Leicester boss Michael Cheika couldn’t hold back a smirk as veteran prop Dan Cole absolutely steamrolled Finn Russell in what might be the most talked-about moment of the Gallagher Premiership Final.
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Bath held firm against a defiant Leicester Tigers side to seal a nail-biting 23-21 win at Twickenham, lifting their first Premiership crown in 29 years and completing a stunning 2024/25 treble in the process.
It’s Bath’s seventh English title – but their first since 1996 – marking a seismic moment in club history.
Yet, despite the historic win, headlines are being dominated by one man: Dan Cole.
In his final appearance before hanging up the boots, the England centurion was shown yellow in the dying stages after clattering Russell off the ball – a decision that’s sparked fury across social media.
Fans were quick to leap to his defence:
"Fair play Dan Cole, we'd all love to do that to Finn Russell. If that’s his last Tigers moment, I’ll clap him off!"
"Even as a Bath fan, I feel for Dan Cole there. Harsh call."
"That’s a shocking decision to end a great career. Karl Dickson strikes again."
"How is that a yellow for Dan Cole? Game’s gone soft."
One thing’s for sure – Cole didn’t go quietly.
Leicester Tigers player ratings vs Bath by Harvey Allen.
15. Freddie Steward – 7
Did what he does best in the backfield, while also finding opportunities to challenge the Bath defence going forward.
14. Adam Radwan – 6
Saw plenty of the ball, but failed to make a significant impact with his opportunities.
13. Solomone Kata – 6
Largely quiet in an otherwise lively Leicester backline, though he did grab a crucial try to reignite the Tigers’ hopes.
12. Joseph Woodward – 5
A quiet afternoon in the midfield; made little impression.
11. Ollie Hassell-Collins – 7
Reliable at the back and made good ground with some incisive runs down the wing.
10. Handré Pollard – 8
Kicked superbly, frequently exploiting Bath’s backfield. Kept Leicester’s structure intact and tempo steady throughout.
9. Jack van Poortvliet – 9
Outstanding. Covered everywhere, sharp at the breakdown, and even crossed the line from a maul. Commanding performance.
1. Nicky Smith – 7
Put in a solid shift at the scrum, taking full advantage of Bath’s mistakes.
2. Julián Montoya (c) – 6
Skated on thin ice with a yellow card, and while physical as ever, he occasionally tipped over into recklessness.
3. Joe Heyes – 6
Contributed strongly in both set pieces and open play.
4. Cameron Henderson – 7
Brought authority in defence and breakdown work — a reliable figure in the engine room.
5. Ollie Chessum – 7
Carried with purpose, helping Leicester make consistent metres over the gainline.
6. Hanro Liebenberg – 6
A relatively anonymous showing — struggled to influence proceedings.
7. Tommy Reffell – 6
Showed glimpses of promise but was subbed off during Montoya’s binning. Never quite found his rhythm.
8. Olly Cracknell – 6
Carried hard from the base of the scrum but couldn’t spark sustained momentum.
Replacements – 6
Held firm despite Dan Cole’s yellow. Ilione’s score during that period was a vital response for Leicester.
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Quiz! Can you name every club that has played in the Premiership?
London Welsh were the last new team to play in the Gallagher Premiership back in 2011 – can you name the others?
You have five minutes to name every club to have played in the Gallagher Premiership, all 28 of them, since the division was established back in 1987.
Good luck, and let us know how you do
