Harlequins' season is effectively over despite it being early in the year, with the team having secured only three wins from 12 Premiership games and no playoff hopes remaining. This dismal campaign was highlighted by their European Champions Cup last-16 loss to Sale Sharks at a half-empty Twickenham Stoop, where more than 6,000 tickets went unsold. Historically, Harlequins play in front of full houses in affluent south west London, but apathy is growing among their fan base. The club's third Premiership victory of the season, and first since October, came only recently against Bristol Bears, underscoring the team's prolonged struggles.
That 18-14 win over Bristol at Cardiff's Principality Stadium ended a six-match winless streak for Harlequins. The victory was sealed by a 58th-minute try from Rodrigo Isgro, while Alex Dombrandt also scored a try after an earlier effort was ruled out. Marcus Smith was absent for the match due to post-Six Nations rest, but the result provided a rare positive moment in an otherwise calamitous season.
For Bristol Bears, the loss to Harlequins dented their playoff prospects, leaving them fifth in the Premiership and seven points off the playoff positions. However, the Bears boosted their hopes with a seven-try win over Gloucester, breaking their record points tally against that opponent. Bristol are currently two points off Exeter Chiefs in fourth place, keeping their postseason ambitions alive despite recent setbacks. The club also announced a pre-tax annual loss of £5.6 million despite achieving a turnover of £11.1 million, highlighting financial challenges alongside on-field uncertainties.
Sale Sharks, who defeated Harlequins in the Champions Cup, have experienced their own Premiership struggles, having lost 10 of 13 games this season. This represents a major regression for a team that made the playoffs in each of the past three seasons. Their poor form included a record Premiership defeat to Saracens, with Noah Caluori scoring five tries in that match.
In European competition, Sale Sharks held off a Harlequins comeback to win their Champions Cup last-16 match 26-17, with George Ford kicking penalties and Luke Cowan-Dickie scoring two tries. Alex Dombrandt scored two tries for Harlequins in that loss, but it wasn't enough to prevent elimination. Sale will now face the winner of Leinster versus Edinburgh in the quarter-finals, offering a potential bright spot in their season.
Harlequins have made coaching changes in response to their struggles, appointing Jason Gilmore as permanent head coach in a move that had an underwhelming feel. Robbie Deans will join as performance director in the summer but not on a full-time basis, with Rob Hunter also set to join the coaching staff next season. The club has managed to retain high-profile talent, with Chandler Cunningham-South re-signing on a mammoth salary.
Gloucester have endured a disastrous Premiership season, winning just twice in 13 games and demonstrating significant defensive vulnerabilities. They have conceded 23 tries in the opening 20 minutes of games this season, highlighting persistent early-game weaknesses that have contributed to their poor standing.
The broader context of women's rugby provides a contrasting narrative of success and engagement. The 2025–26 Premiership Women's Rugby season is the ninth season of England's top-flight domestic women's rugby union club competition and the third to be branded as Premiership Women's Rugby. The season start was pushed back by three weeks due to the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup, with regular season fixtures announced on 6 August 2025. The PWR Cup returned following a hiatus in 2024–25, with Saracens winning the 2025 final and retaining their title from 2023–24, where Amelia MacDougall was Player of the Match.
Gloucester-Hartpury, who claimed their third league title after winning the 2025 final against Saracens, have established themselves as a dominant force this season. They beat Saracens in a recent Premiership Women's Rugby match, returning to the top of the table and securing home semi-final advantage, with Alex Matthews scoring a hat-trick in that victory. Gloucester-Hartpury also defeated Exeter Chiefs 38-20 in Round 13 and currently have a game in hand as things stand. Gloucester-Hartpury and Saracens are the teams to beat this season.
Saracens remain highly competitive, having retaken top spot with their win over Harlequins. In that match against Harlequins, May Campbell scored her tenth try of the season, while Liv Apps and Jess Breach also scored tries for Saracens. This places Saracens firmly in contention as the season approaches its climax, with the top two teams already locked in for knockout rugby in June.
Bristol Bears' women's team has enjoyed considerable success, beating Harlequins 17-14 with Emma Orr scoring two second-half tries in that match. Their Round 13 victory over Leicester Tigers was a staggering 68-0 result, demonstrating their offensive capabilities. The Bristol Bears women's home match against Harlequins was watched by 14,020 fans, setting a record attendance for a Bristol home game and indicating growing interest in women's rugby.
Harlequins' women's team has struggled comparatively, having picked up just one win since the winter break. They lost at home to Saracens in Round 13, though Jade Konkel managed to score a try in that match. This places them in a challenging position as the season progresses, with five more rounds remaining in the 2025/26 campaign.
The Premiership Women's Rugby season outlook features a tight playoff race, with Sale Sharks beating Loughborough Lightning 31-29 in Round 13 to maintain their position. Ahead of the season, Bristol Bears, Exeter Chiefs, Gloucester–Hartpury, Leicester Tigers and Sale Sharks each announced changes to their head coach positions.