Prem Rugby Cup: Red Bulls up and running

Round 2 of the PREM Rugby Cup brought plenty more drama, with four action-packed matches played across Saturday afternoon.

Here’s a recap…

Red Bulls up and running

The new-look Newcastle Red Bulls are perhaps the most intriguing proposition heading into the 2026/27 campaign and the early signs are promising.

They opened their cup campaign with a 36-24 win at holders Leicester Tigers, racing into a 21-0 half time lead courtesy of tries from Will Rigg, Harrison Obatoyinbo and Alex Hearle.

Obatoyinbo’s was an early try-of-the-season contender as he broke from inside his own 22 past several attempted Tigers tackles to open his account for the campaign in style.

The hosts improved after the break, with ex-Newcastle man Adam Radwan among their scorers, but Werner Kok and Allan Ferrie crossed to ensure the points headed back to the north-east.

Quins continue strong start

Harlequins moved to the top of Pool B with a 29-14 win over Northampton Saints.

Tries from Tom Pearson and Toby Thame put Saints 14-5 ahead in the first half but a shimmying Sean Kerr began the fightback with an excellent score on the stroke of half time.

Stuart Townsend and Cameron Anderson kept Quins’ momentum going after the break before another brilliant solo score, this one from Josh Bellamy, sealed the deal.

Woodburn rolls back the years

Olly Woodburn scored three tries in the space of nine first-half minutes as Exeter Chiefs defeated Bristol Bears 45-21 at Sandy Park.

The winger’s treble opened up a 17-7 half-time lead for the Devon outfit, while he also performed some outrageous skill to keep a Bears penalty in play.

Kane James scored twice in the second half, with Ethan Roots also crossing, as the hosts stretched their advantage after the break to start their group stage campaign on a winning note.

Cherry & Whites flowing

Gloucester Rugby have started the season in free-scoring mood and having racked up 40 in defeat against Bristol Bears in Round 1, they put 43 on Sale Sharks to get off the mark in Round 2.

Five of their seven tries came in the first half, with Seb Blake’s double added to by scores from Ben Redshaw, Will Joseph and Ollie Thorley.

Max Knight and Will Trenholm added their names to the scoresheet after the break, though Sale continued to carry a threat themselves and returned north with a try bonus point thanks to Alfie Longstaff, Dom Hanson, Nathan Jibulu and Tom O’Flaherty.