Exeter claimed their first Gallagher Premiership win of the season by edging Newcastle 34-28 at Sandy Park on October 11, 2026. Christian Wade scored a hat-trick for the Red Bulls to reach his 100th league try, but late tries and a decisive penalty secured the victory for the hosts.
Winning still trumps all else, even amid a heavy flow of tries across the Premiership. Exeter finally secured their first relieving victory of the campaign, though Newcastle threatened an upset that would have marked their first away league success in almost four years. The contest saw the lead change hands repeatedly before the Chiefs pulled away in the final minutes.
Christian Wade Reaches Century Milestone in Defeat
Newcastle winger Christian Wade delivered a standout performance, running in three tries to become only the second player in the league’s history to reach 100 top-tier tries. The visiting team’s starting lineup featured Harrison Obatoyinbo at full-back alongside Wade, Luther Hearle, Sammy Arnold, and Werner Kok in the backline, with Zack Henry and Simon Benitez Cruz at half-back. Max Hicks joined a pack featuring captain Callum Christie alongside Hoskins Sotutu at number eight.
Wade’s scoring started early when an alert pass from Simon Benitez Cruz gave him an easy run-in just three minutes after Exeter opened the scoring. He added his second before the break following a break from Sammy Arnold, and completed his hat-trick early in the second half through a kick-and-chase after a wayward pass from Henry Slade. Max Hicks also scored a try for Newcastle, while Zack Henry successfully converted all four attempts to secure two valuable bonus points for the Red Bulls.
Ross Vintcent and Henry Slade Power Exeter’s Attack
Exeter established an early advantage when Ross Vintcent charged down Zack Henry’s kick to score within the first 40 seconds. Vintcent added a second try shortly after from a well-timed pass by Slade, who later dived over himself after a decisive dummy from 40 metres out.
Despite periods of error, the Chiefs stayed in the contest through tries from summer-signing Sam Harris on his league debut and a late close-range maul finished off by Georgian prop Bachuki Tchumbadze. Slade contributed significantly with three conversions and a crucial 40-metre penalty kick that put the hosts ahead with 16 minutes remaining. Sam Harris entered the fullback lineup after Olly Woodburn sustained an ankle injury concern during the previous weekend’s defeat at Bath.
Baxter Criticizes Defensive Energy While McFarland Praises Effort
Exeter director of rugby Rob Baxter expressed frustration over his side’s lack of intensity without the ball, despite praising their attacking structure. Baxter noted that the flip-flopping of the score made it difficult for his team to settle into the match.
“At half-time, my biggest frustration was with our defensive energy.”
Rob Baxter, Exeter director of rugby
Newcastle head coach Dan McFarland, meanwhile, voiced pride in his team’s effort and style of play after coming up short, noting that the narrow defeat showed positive signs despite the team’s continued wait for a win.
Attendance Figures and Milestone Debuts at Sandy Park
Newcastle also introduced hooker Samson Adejimi for his debut during the contest.
Exeter suffered disciplinary and injury setbacks during the pulsating encounter, including a yellow card shown to flanker Ethan Roots for a no-arms tackle in the first half and a later yellow card for Newcastle prop Adam Brocklebank. The hosts also saw England winger Immanuel Feyi-Waboso depart the field due to a leg problem described by Baxter as a tweaked hamstring. Looking ahead to the opening Champions Cup weekend, the Chiefs welcomed back forceful Wallaby back-row forward Tom Hooper to their matchday squad.