Exeter Chiefs 28-31 Harlequins: Lucas Schmid double settles nine-try thriller

Lucas Schmid scored twice as Harlequins recovered from a second-half deficit to beat Exeter Chiefs 31-28 at Sandy Park and claim successive Premiership victories.

The Exeter Chiefs vs Harlequins result remained in doubt until the final play. Olly Woodburn’s late try brought the hosts within three points, but their last attacking lineout ended in lost possession and Quins cleared to touch.

Cadan Murley, Nick David and Jack Kenningham also crossed for the visitors. Harry Wilson, Nika Abuladze and Will Butt scored Exeter’s other tries in a contest that was level at 14-14 at half-time.

Marcus Smith kicked three conversions for Harlequins, while Henry Slade converted all four Exeter tries.

Exeter Chiefs vs Harlequins: Schmid turns the contest

Exeter led 21-14 after Butt broke through early in the second half, leaving Harlequins needing to recover the initiative after surrendering their own early advantage.

Schmid supplied the response. His first try, converted by Smith, brought the sides level before the number eight crossed again to secure the visitors’ four-try bonus point.

Kenningham then extended the lead to 31-21, giving Harlequins enough breathing room to withstand Exeter’s final response.

Woodburn’s late finish and Slade’s conversion ensured a tense conclusion. Exeter still had an opportunity to attack with time expired, but could not retain possession at the lineout.

Quins start quickly before Exeter recover

Murley and David scored the opening tries, with Smith converting both to establish a 14-0 lead.

That advantage disappeared before the interval. Wilson and Abuladze crossed for Exeter, whose pressure was helped by Harlequins conceding nine first-half penalties.

Quins centre Bryn Bradley was also shown a yellow card in the 24th minute for a high tackle on Ethan Roots.

Exeter’s recovery continued after the restart when Butt put them ahead. But the lead proved temporary as Schmid’s double swung the match back towards the visitors.

The BBC Sport match report records the nine-try contest, while PA’s report via RugbyPass details the changes in momentum.

What the result means

Harlequins collected five league points and moved to 12 from their opening five matches. Their record now stands at two wins and three defeats.

The victory followed last weekend’s 33-15 win over Saracens, giving Quins consecutive league successes after losing their first three Premiership fixtures.

Exeter took two bonus points: one for scoring four tries and another for finishing within seven points. They have 10 points from five games, with one victory and four defeats.

Those bonus points limited the damage, but Exeter remain behind Harlequins after a match in which they had overturned a 14-point deficit and established a seven-point lead.

The official Premiership standings show the updated records. Exeter’s previous league outing ended in a 20-7 defeat at Bristol.

Exeter Chiefs vs Harlequins match facts

Detail	Information
Result	Exeter Chiefs 28-31 Harlequins
Half-time	14-14
Competition	Premiership Rugby, Round 5
Date	Saturday 31 October 2026
Venue	Sandy Park
Exeter tries	Harry Wilson, Nika Abuladze, Will Butt, Olly Woodburn
Harlequins tries	Cadan Murley, Nick David, Lucas Schmid (2), Jack Kenningham
Yellow card	Bryn Bradley, Harlequins

Starting teams

Harlequins’ official team announcement confirmed returns to the starting side for Jack Walker, Simon Kerrod and Nick David. Cadan Murley captained the visitors.

Exeter welcomed Immanuel Feyi-Waboso back after a hamstring injury, with Harry Wilson and Lewis Pearson selected in the second row.

Exeter Chiefs: Will Haydon-Wood; Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, Henry Slade, Will Butt, Olly Woodburn; Harvey Skinner, Stephen Varney; Nika Abuladze, Jack Yeandle (captain), Josh Iosefa-Scott; Lewis Pearson, Harry Wilson; Ethan Roots, Ross Vintcent, Greg Fisilau.

Harlequins: George Furbank; Nick David, Luke Northmore, Bryn Bradley, Cadan Murley (captain); Marcus Smith, Will Porter; Fin Baxter, Jack Walker, Simon Kerrod; James Dun, Kieran Treadwell; Jack Kenningham, Seb Driscoll, Lucas Schmid.