Carley to take charge of Premiership Final

By Mark Stevens
25/6/21

Matthew Carley will be the man in charge for tomorrow’s Gallagher Premiership Rugby Final between Exeter Chiefs and Harlequins.

The final, which promises to be a mouth-watering showcase of scintillating rugby, pits two of the most exciting teams in the league against each other.

Harlequins booked their place in the final with an historic come from behind win over table-toppers Bristol Bears at Ashton Gate, overcoming a 28-0 deficit in the process.

And the win over Bristol helped them reach their first final since 2012, where they defeated Leicester Tigers at a sun-drenched HQ to secure Premiership glory.

Meanwhile, the Chiefs dispatched Sale Sharks 40-30 in a feisty affair at Sandy Park to help them reach their sixth consecutive final.

And Rob Baxter’s men will be hoping their recent finals experience helps them defend their Premiership crown.

Last time the two sides faced off against each other, Exeter managed to hold on for a dramatic one-point home win against Quins, running out 21-20 winners.

This marks the first time Carley, who has previously taken charge of 107 Premiership games, has refereed the final. He becomes just the seventh different referee to officiate a Premiership final.

Assisting Carley on the touchlines for the showcase final will be Luke Pearce and Karl Dickson, while Ian Tempest will oversee all things TMO from above. Shaun Gallagher is on citing officer duties.