Scarlets came away from Sandy Park with a 36-15 win over the Exeter Chiefs, as both sides experimented with expansive changes in Exeter’s final pre-season friendly of 2026.

Amongst a vibrant end-of-summer atmosphere at Sandy Park, both sides displayed threatening signs early on, and it was the Chiefs that made the first meaningful entry into the 22, forcing errors from Scarlets and capitalising as they drove over from a scrum.

The Chiefs worked to press on their advantage, and a superb 50-22 from full-back Tommy Wyatt earned his side another run at the Scarlets back line. A couple of changes in possession and two penalties later, the home side were over the line again, the latest maul doubling their advantage.

Scarlets later began to develop some momentum of their own, spending an increasing amount of time camped in Chiefs territory as the game approached the half hour mark. They were rewarded for their tenacity when Macs Page profited from some slick play across the line. The first conversion of the afternoon from Gabe McDonald brought the Welsh side’s deficit down to three.

The visitors continued their charge, and forced their way in again just before the interval, nudging themselves four in front as the teams went into the sheds.

The Chiefs started the second half strongly, and quickly gained entry into the Scarlets’ 22, but following one or two messy phases, the hosts were unable to capitalise.

Several quiet minutes followed as Scarlets began to wrestle back control, but the visitors quickly punched some energy into their attacking phases, McDonald sprinting over after some more excellent Scarlets ball handling in the Chiefs 22.

The home side pushed for a way back into the game, but were denied by some robust Scarlets defending.

At the other end, patient build-up by Scarlets was capitalised upon by Page, who latched onto his own brilliant kick over the top, before placing down over the try line.

The visiting side pressed in on a reeling Chiefs, immediately scoring again when Joe Roberts was played in, the replacement scoring with his first involvement.

Scarlets continued to open out the gap moments later, driving over from a line-out against a rocked Chiefs.

But Rob Baxter’s side rediscovered their equilibrium, and they scored off the back of a line-out moments after being hit by Scarlets’ flurry of tries.

That would be the final word in an engaging contest, as plenty of players from both sides got plenty of minutes under their belts.

Exeter face Bristol Bears in the Premiership Rugby Cup next Saturday as they kick off their 2026-27 season.

Line-Ups:

Exeter Chiefs:

First Half: Tommy Wyatt, Olly Woodburn, Zack Wimbush, Will Butt, Campbell Ridl, Harvey Skinner, Sam Wolstenholme, Ethan Burger, Louie Gulley, Ehrer Painter, Joe Bailey, Harry Wison, Finn Worley Brady, Harry Westlake, Ethan Roots

Replacements: Will Haydon-Wood, Charlie Poynton, Ollie Batson, Charlie Bosanko, Ben Hammersley, Ben Coen, Tom Cairns, Will Goodrick-Clarke, Julian Heaven, Josh Iosefa-Scott, Lewis Pearson, Oscar Beckerleg, Morgan Crew, Oisin Smith, Alfie Johns, Archie McArthur, Joseph Dweba, Jimmy Roots, Jake Murray, Nic Allison

Scarlets:

First Half: Ioan Nicholas, Callum Woolley, Joe Roberts, Gabe McDonald, Macs Page, Gareth Anscombe, Dane Blacker, Josh Morse, John McKee, Gabe Hawley, Gabe Cahsay, Harvey Cuckson, Tristan Davies, Josh McLeod, Dom Kossuth

Replacements: Iori Badham, Isaac Murray-MacGregor, Jac Davies, Ioan Jones, Madoc Evans, Gareth Davies, Dan Davis, George Roberts, Sam O’Connor, Rhys Fawcett, Harri O’Connor, Sam Louisi, Jac Price, Osian Williams, Joe Denham