Exeter Chiefs

Rob Baxter hopes a return to home comforts tomorrow will help provide him and his Exeter Chiefs with the perfect foundation from which to attack visiting Newcastle Falcons in the Gallagher Premiership (2:30pm).

Defeat away to Gloucester a week ago saw the Devonians surrender top spot in the division, albeit on points difference to defending champions Saracens, but Baxter believes being back on familiar surroundings can ensure normal service is resumed at the first attempt.

It's been six weeks since the Chiefs last ran out at home - that was against Castres in the Heineken...

Exeter Chiefs could be forgiven for thinking it was a case of deja vu as for the second successive season they were undone right at the death by rivals Gloucester in the Gallagher Premiership.

Whereas last season it was Jason Woodward who pounced in the dying embers, this time round it was Ben Morgan who inflicted the telling blow on Rob Baxter's side.

Morgan's late touchdown was not without controversy, however.

In the build-up to the England No.8 powering his way over just two minutes from the final whistle, it appeared Chiefs wing Tom O'Flaherty had been...

Rob Baxter will tell you that his retention plans often outweigh that of a huge recruitment drive, such is his desire to ensure that continuity runs smoothly for both him and his players at Exeter Chiefs.

Having already ensured a number of the club’s star names are locked down for the next few years, the Chiefs Director of Rugby has spoken of his delight after two more first-team stars pledged their immediate futures to the Gallagher Premiership club.

Forwards Alec Hepburn, 25, and Jonny Hill, 24, are the latest to put pen to paper, both agreeing terms on two-year contract...

When push came to shove, Exeter’s pack came together in unison to provide the power that has put them within touching distance of a semi-final place in this season’s Premiership Rugby Cup.

The Cup holders will have to wait at least a week to confirm whether they have advanced, but a third victory of the season against Bristol Bears has given them more than a fighting chance of advancing.

Only Newcastle Falcons - who face Sale Sharks next weekend in their final qualification fixture - can deny the Devonians, providing they pick up all five points and overturn a nine-point...