Sport

Julian Salvi admitted the only thing missing from an “amazing” first year with the Exeter Chiefs was failing to pick up the Aviva Premiership title at Twickenham.

Brought to Devon last summer from Leicester Tigers, the Australian open-side has been a near ever-present for Rob Baxter’s side during a stellar campaign, which finished up at the home of English rugby in Saturday’s showpiece event.

Sadly, though, the Chiefs – playing in their first-ever Premiership final – could not cap what has been a year to remember for them as they went down narrowly to defending champions...

In the end it wasn’t quite to be for Exeter Chiefs, but Gareth Steenson insists the club have plenty to proud of following a quite outstanding season.

Undone 28-20 in Saturday’s Aviva Premiership final by Saracens, the dreams of a first-ever top flight title will have to wait for Rob Baxter’s side a little longer.

Trailing 23-6 at the interval, the Devonians produced a rousing second half performance to haul themselves back into contention with just five minutes remaining.

Saracens, however, showed just why they have been the stand-out force, both domestically and...

In the end there was to be no fairytale ending for Exeter Chiefs, but boy did Rob Baxter’s side put up an unbelievable fight.

Pitted against European and defending Aviva Premiership champions Saracens, Devon’s finest picked themselves off the deck following a first half flooring to shock their rivals with a ferocious second half fightback.

In the end, the Chiefs didn’t have quite enough in the tank as their spirited challenge was finally ended late on by a try from man of the match Alex Goode.

Having trailed 23-6 at the break to first half tries from Duncan Taylor...

Exeter Chiefs have been dealt an untimely injury blow just days before they feature in their first-ever Aviva Premiership final against Saracens at Twickenham.

Head coach Rob Baxter confirmed today that No.8 Thomas Waldrom will not feature on Saturday after picking up a knee injury during last weekend’s semi-final win over Wasps.

The England international is set for 12 weeks on the sidelines after suffering damage to his medial ligament in the closing stages of Exeter’s 34-23 victory.

Waldrom’s absence will be felt by the Chiefs as the 33-year-old not only has...