Leicester vs Saracens LIVE: Rugby Premiership final result as Freddie Burns drop goal wins it for Tigers
Freddie Burns’ last-gasp drop goal hands Tigers a dramatic victory at Twickenham
Leicester Tigers won their ninth Gallagher Premiership title after sinking Saracens 15-12 in a pulsating final at Twickenham as Freddie Burns’ dramatic drop goal with 20 seconds of normal time remaining saw them home.
Saracens’ hopes of completing a stunning rise from salary cap scandal and relegation humiliation to regain domestic silverware were dashed by the snarling Tigers.
Leicester overcame the first-half loss of injured talisman George Ford in his final appearance before joining Sale this summer to end a nine-year wait for title glory.
Tries by their South African back-row forwards Hanro Liebenberg and Jasper Wiese during an eight-minute spell in the second quarter underpinned Leicester’s victory.
Saracens scrum-half Aled Davies was off the field for both scores after being sin-binned following a high shoulder-led challenge on Tigers hooker Julian Montoya, although he was fortunate to avoid a red card.
Ford’s replacement Burns added a conversion before his dramatic clincher, while Saracens skipper Owen Farrell kicked three penalties and Elliot Daly one.
But Saracens’ dream of a sixth league crown being secured only 15 months after they were ambushed by Cornish Pirates in Penzance – following demotion to the Championship and a £5.36million fine for repeated salary cap breaches – was extinguished.
Follow the reaction from the Premiership final below.
Leicester Tigers 15-12 Saracens - 80 min
Freddie Steward rises high and claims the ball. Leicester recycle, feed Burns and he kicks out the back of the in-goal area!
LEICESTER TIGERS HAVE DONE IT!
Leicester Tigers 15-12 Saracens - 80 min
There will be time for the kick-off. Can Saracens keep the game alive?
DROP GOAL! Leicester Tigers 15-12 Saracens - 79 min
HE’S DONE IT! Burns lines up the drop goal with 20 seconds left from right of the posts and it’s slightly scuffed but it flies through! Tigers lead 15-12!
Leicester Tigers 12-12 Saracens - 79 min
Through the phases. Freddie Burns dropping back in the pocket. Tigers well in the 22, 30 seconds left.
Leicester Tigers 12-12 Saracens - 78 min
Box-kick from Tigers and they claim the loose ball! Ball spread right and Freddie Steward makes a few yards. They’re on the 22. Setting up for the drop goal?
Leicester Tigers 12-12 Saracens - 77 min
Tigers have the ball and they’re in the Saracens half but not really going anywhere. A lot of tired-looking players out there, lots of men walking! It’s been a brutal, physical contest.
PENALTY! Leicester Tigers 12-12 Saracens - 75 min
Billy Vunipola goes off for an HIA. That’s a loss for Sarries as well.
Penalty right in front of the posts and Farrell slots it. 12-12 heading into the final 4 minutes of the Premiership Final. Strap in!
SIN-BIN! Leicester Tigers 12-9 Saracens - 75 min
This doesn’t look good for Matt Scott. Shoulder to head and no mitigation, so he gets yellow carded. He’ll spend the rest of the match in the sin-bin, reducing Tigers to 14 men at a crucial moment...
Leicester Tigers 12-9 Saracens - 75 min
It is the pick and go from Vunipola and he barrels into the defence. Great tackle by Wiese and Matt Scott to stop the No 8, who then stays down.
Sarries win the penalty and the ref and TMO will take a look at replays of whether Scott’s hit on Vunipola was high
Leicester Tigers 12-9 Saracens - 73 min
Saracens deep in the Leicester 22 for probably the first time today and some nice link-up play between Farrell and George takes them within a few metres of the line.
Big moments! And Saracens eventually win a scrum just beyond the five-metre line. Billy Vunipola from the base?
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