The finale to the English club season almost feels like a throwback to another era. On Saturday Bath will seek to claim their first league title since 1996 while Northampton’s solitary Premiership title was won 10 years ago. Add in a near-capacity crowd for a domestic Twickenham final – attendances have been on the wane in recent times – and it has all the makings of a cracking occasion.
Bath, in particular, are daring to dream that decades of frustration and underachievement could be almost over. Two years ago they finished bottom of the league but the 31-23 semi-final win against Sale on Saturday was the latest example of their bench strength and increasing ability to tough out tight games. In Finn Russell at fly‑half they also have a conductor who relishes big occasions.
