The Gallagher Premiership leaders maintained their perfect start to the domestic season with a 28-20 victory – Sam Simmonds twice touching down in the narrow victory – his seventh and eighth tries in just four appearances in that competition this season.

Jonny Gray and Ollie Devoto also went over for the 2019/20 double winners at Sandy Park.

Bristol Bears overcame Harlequins 27-19 in a thriller at Twickenham Stoop as the two Heineken Champions Cup Pool B sides battled it out.

A quartet of tries from Dan Thomas, Steve Luatua, Harry Randall and Niyi Adeolokuni earned the visiting Bears a bonus point victory. Marcus Smith was the star for the hosts, scoring all 19 points for the home side.

Northampton Saints - who face an uphill battle to qualify for the Heineken Champions Cup last eight - secured a 29-10 win over Worcester Warriors with tries from Alex Mitchell, Dan Biggar and Mikey Haywood. A penalty try for the hosts completed the bonus point victory.

In the Guinness PRO14, Scarlets secured a late win over Ospreys at the Parc y Scarlets - full-back Angus O’Brien scampered over with eight minutes remaining to earn a 16-14 victory.

Dragons' poor run continued as they lost out 13-12 to Challenge Cup hopefuls Cardiff Blues at Rodney Parade, with Welsh forward Josh Turnbull crossing in the 67th minutes to help the visitors turn around a 9-3 first half deficit.

EPCR European Player of the Year Sam Simmonds was once again the catalyst for Heineken Champions Cup holders Exeter Chiefs in their Boxing Day win over Gloucester Rugby.