At last! The Chiefs are back.

Last season Exeter suffered their worst Premiership campaign since joining the top flight. Fans were concerned that the wonder years in which they reached multiple Twickenham finals, rode high in the European Champions cup and even won it on one memorable occasion - during covid when few could make it to the match to celebrate - may be behind them. With finances tighter than ever, star players left for greater rewards elsewhere. It was time to rebuild.

And, as the final regular match of the 2025/6 season drew to its close at Sandy Park with a must-win game against old foes Sarcens, director of rugby Rob Baxter proved they have.

They booked a place in the play-off semi-finals of Gallagher Prem, as we must now call it, with a commanding 32-12 victory.

With that place on the line for both sides - one would go through, the other would end their season on Saturday, the game began cautiously in a tense and physical contest.

Saracens struck first with a try in the opening minutes, to which Henry Slade responded with a penalty kick. It looked like becoming a low-scoring, nervy game.

But play turned decisively just before half-time when Saracens scrum-half Charlie Bracken was shown a yellow card. Exeter capitalised immediately, with Max Norey crossing to give the hosts momentum heading into the second half.

The Chiefs emerged after the interval with renewed intensity and quickly extended their advantage when Slade finished off an excellent counter-attacking move.

Slade was at the heart of everything, controlling territory superbly and contributing 17 points, adding penalties and conversions to keep the scoreboard ticking over. His influence proved crucial. He was later rightly named man of the match.

Further tries from lock Andrea Zambonin and scrum-half Stephen Varney underlined Exeter's superiority. Zambonin powered over following sustained pressure close to the line, while Varney capped the victory with a well-taken late score after chasing his own kick through a tiring Saracens defence.

Saracens managed a late consolation through Nick Isiekwe, and some wondered whether sufficient time remained for a comeback.

There wasn't. Exeter looked sharper, fitter and more determined throughout the closing stages. The defeat marked the end of Mark McCall's tenure in charge of Saracens, while Exeter celebrated a return to the Prem play-offs for the first time since 2021.

For the Chiefs, this was a statement performance at exactly the right time. They now head to Bath full of confidence, but knowing that the westcountry rivals have much to prove themselves. A date at Twickenham could still await. This is Chiefs 2.0. It's good to be back.