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Big guns in 18-try shoot-out

NORTHAMPTON boss Phil Dowson denied rugby has gone soft after Saints and Bath served up 18 tries in another Prem points fest. From ADAM HATHAWAY at Franklin’s Gardens The 119 points, with Saints winning 71-48, was the second highest in…

By The Rugby Paper Team · The Rugby Paper

Published: Sunday, 11 October 2026 at 2:59 AM

Key Things to Know

Northampton Saints defeated Bath 71-48 in an 18-try Premiership match.
The 119 combined points represents the second-highest aggregate score in Premiership history.
Northampton director of rugby Phil Dowson denied claims that the sport has gone soft.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Northampton Saints defeated Bath 71-48 at Franklin’s Gardens in a match featuring 18 tries. The aggregate score of 119 points marks the second highest in Premiership history, continuing an ongoing trend of high-scoring fixtures where attack dominates defense.

Following the match, Northampton director of rugby Phil Dowson addressed criticism surrounding the high-scoring clash and denied suggestions that rugby has gone soft.

Read the full article on The Rugby Paper

Big guns in 18-try shoot-out

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