Aussies Abroad: Kemeny claims Premiership title, Wallabies legend Latham completes perfect MLR coaching season

Mon, Jun 22, 2026, 10:26 PM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
Josh Kemeny helped Northampton to the Premiership title. Photo: Getty Images
Josh Kemeny helped Northampton to the Premiership title. Photo: Getty Images

Two-Test Wallaby Josh Kemeny has helped Northampton to the English Premiership title with a 26-17 win over Exeter at Twickenham.

Kemeny played an influential role in the back-row, besting fellow Australians Len Ikitau and Tom Hooper to take out their second title in three years.

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He made 10 tackles and was the central target at lineout time in his 20th start for the Saints this season.

The victory wasn't easy, with Ikitau the standout for the Chiefs in defeat, almost nabbing Player of the Final honours despite the loss.

It came after the John Eales Medalist made four line breaks, four offloads and set up their opening try with a brilliant no-look pass to Campbell Ridl.

Hooper was also strong with his own try assist and double digit tackles and carries (both 11).

But it's the former Rebel who hoisted the trophy high, with incoming Force winger James Ramm also on hand for celebrations despite not featuring in the decider.

In France, there was mixed success in the Top 14 semi-finals as Tom Banks and Jordan Uelese guided Monpellier into the decider.

Banks scored the opener, with Uelese making three tackle busts as they defeated Stade Francais 25-15.

They will face Toulouse, who ended Taniela Tupou and Racing 92's campaign with a thumping 71-17 defeat, with Tupou coming off the bench.

Meanwhile, it was a massive moment in the MLR, with Wallabies great Chris Latham completing a perfect coaching season with Chicago Hounds after taking out the title.

Former Rebels and Waratahs hooker Theo Fourie opened the scoring, with Aussies Charlie Abel, Nathan den Hoedt and Jake Turnbull all featuring in the win.

Latham becomes the first coach ever in MLR history to guide a team through an undefeated season, with the Hounds winning all ten regular season games.

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