In a nail-biting encounter at Mattioli Woods Welford Road, Leicester Tigers managed to secure a spot in the Premiership final, edging out Sale Sharks 21-16 in the play-off semi-final on June 7, 2025. This marks Leicester’s return to the final for the second time in four seasons, adding to the anticipation of fans eagerly awaiting their team’s performance against the experienced Bath, a side with a rich history in the league, during the upcoming final at Twickenham.
The match unfolded in a raucous atmosphere, with Leicester showing dominance early on. After some initial exchanges of penalties, Handre Pollard successfully kicked the opening penalty for the Tigers, giving them an early advantage after Sale infringed during a line-out. Sale’s George Ford quickly leveled the score with a penalty stemming from a scrummage, but an impressive display from Leicester soon changed the momentum. Adam Radwan showcased his talents by scoring two tries in the first half, propelling Leicester into a commanding lead of 13-3 at halftime.
Radwan’s first try exemplified the Tigers’ cut-and-thrust attack. He capitalized on a clever switch from Jack van Poortvliet to slice through Sale’s defense and find the try line. His second was an acrobatic finish, where he managed to gather a slightly overhit cross-field kick from Pollard while airborne before diving to score. Despite Leicester’s onslaught, Sale managed to maintain pressure, particularly through a remarkable defensive performance which restricted Leicester’s ability to extend their lead further before half-time.
As the second half progressed, Leicester’s early momentum faltered, allowing Sale Sharks a chance to strike back. Rob du Preez darted through from a well-executed move after Ford’s build-up play and managed to score Sale’s sole try, which was crucial as it brought them closer, trailing 13-11. Ford’s reliable kicking soon further leveled the game as he slotted another penalty with 15 minutes remaining.
However, just as the tide appeared to favor the Sharks, Leicester’s Izaia Perese entered the fray with decisive impact, scoring from an electric run on his first touch. He restored the Tigers’ lead with a mesmerizing run, minimizing Sale’s chances of capitalizing on their momentum. Following Perese’s try, Leicester’s defense faced a monumental challenge as Sale mounted pressure in the dying minutes of the match.
Notably, while the game went down to the wire, it was Leicester’s defensive resilience that ultimately saw them through. Blocking Sale’s efforts to score and maintaining composure under pressure sealed their gaming victory and ensured that they would compete for their twelfth league title.
Following the match, Leicester’s head coach Michael Cheika expressed pride in his team’s performance despite recognizing the need for greater impact moving forward. He acknowledged the challenge that Sale presented, particularly in the second half, and emphasized the need for growth in preparation for the final clash against Bath.
Conversely, Sale’s director of rugby Alex Sanderson conveyed his frustration, admitting that their performance did not warrant a final berth but acknowledged Leicester’s effective game plan that capitalized on aerial contests and scrummages under slippery playing conditions.
The match showcased outstanding individual performances, notably from Leicester’s Adam Radwan and Izaia Perese. Both players demonstrated the tenacity and skill required at this level. Moreover, the encounter highlighted the strategic intricacies of rugby, with Leicester’s ability to capitalize in key moments proving crucial to their victory.
As Leicester gears up for the final against Bath, the excitement is palpable. For the Tigers, this match is not just another opportunity to claim the league title but also a chance to honor departing players such as skipper Julian Montoya and veteran Dan Cole, ensuring a memorable finish to their illustrious careers at the club. The remnants of this semi-final triumph resonate with the fans, who await the showdown on the grand stage at Twickenham.