Exeter 24-10 Leicester

Greg Fisilau was named man of the match for his role in Exeter’s win over Leicester Tigers; Exeter head into 2026 one point behind Gallagher Premiership leaders Northampton Saints after missing out on a bonus point in their victory.

Greg Fisilau (L) celebrates with teammate Stephen Varney during Exeter’s victory over Leicester

Greg Fisilau inspired a resurgent Exeter to a 24-10 Gallagher Premiership victory over Leicester Tigers at Sandy Park, putting them within one point of league leaders Northampton Saints.

England No.8 Fisilau scored the first try and also played a key role in Stephen Varney’s 72nd-minute score that finally swung a gripping match beyond the Tigers’ reach, earning him the man-of-the-match award.

Outstanding winger Campbell Ridl also crossed, but Exeter finished a try short of claiming the bonus point that would have propelled them into 2026 as Premiership leaders.

It is nonetheless a remarkable transformation from Rob Baxter’s side, who finished bottom of the table last season after a disappointing campaign and were playing in front of a thinned home crowd.

Exeter miss out on top spot despite home win

A packed house witnessed the battle between fourth and fifth place and while Leicester went home empty-handed, they were competitive until Varney struck.

Leicester were forced to face early pressure, with Andrea Zambonin taking out scrum-half Tom Whiteley and launching waves of attacks which ended with Fisilau running from the 22.

Exeter were in control and regularly found space in the wide channels, with Ridl being released on the left wing in the 25th minute and driving into space before benefitting from a nice rebound to complete a fine solo score.

Exeter Chiefs’ Campbell Ridl scores a try against Leicester

A dynamic Harvey Skinner try was ruled out for a Will Rigg push and it proved to be a critical 14-point swing as Leicester struck straight away, with winger Adam Radwan gaining ground before the forwards’ passing interplay was ended by Cameron Henderson’s cross.

Television cameras showed Tigers head coach Geoff Parling reading his players the riot act at half-time and when the game resumed they had the wind at their backs.

A promising raid into the left corner was defended by a turnover and once Immanuel Feyi-Waboso used his power and footwork to propel Exeter downfield, Henry Slade won a penalty.

Slade was tackled dangerously, resulting in a yellow card for Samuel Williams, but Chiefs failed to pick up a point as the Leicester substitute was in the dustbin despite a few dangerous moments in the attacks.

On Williams’ return, flyhalf Billy Searle was sent to the sin-bin for coming in from the side as Skinner missed by inches with a sprint for the line. Leicester were conceding a steady stream of penalties and were killed off when Varney raced after Olly Woodburn started the counter-attack with a towering catch.

Fisilau was also involved in the move that led to Varney touching down and, as Exeter looked for the bonus point in the dying moments, they twice dropped the ball over the line.

Walder: England cannot ignore Fisilau!

Exeter attack coach Dave Walder insists it is only a matter of time before England head coach Steve Borthwick takes a closer look at Fisilau, following his exceptional form this season.

“I love working with Greg [Fisilau]”, said Walder. “It has everything you want in a back rower. He’s physical, he’s abrasive, very intelligent in the game, but he also has great overall skills.

“He’s playing very well at the moment. If he continues to play like that, I guess England can’t ignore him, but you’d have to ask them that question.”

Regarding the missed bonus point to go into the lead, Walder added: “This morning, if you had given us a victory, we would have taken it. But I think deep down we are a little disappointed with our precision and not scoring ourselves an extra bonus point.

“At the same time, it’s a sign of where we’ve come from and where we are right now. We’re not too focused on our league position, but on the process. The boys are working hard and have a great attitude and great defense. We’re in a really positive situation.”

Leicester head coach Geoff Parling said: “I thought we were the poorest emotionally turning up for a game
game. It’s the first time this season that we lacked a little advantage, especially in the first 30 minutes.

“We’re not good enough yet to have those days off. It’s the first time, and the squad will admit it, that we weren’t quite immune to our collisions and the way we played. We’re back at home against Saracens now and we have to play with the right edge because for me that wasn’t our DNA today.”