Sport

Exeter Chiefs newcomer Chrysander Botha said the chance of testing himself both in the Aviva Premiership and European Rugby was an opportunity he simply could not turn down.

The Namibian international is just days into a two-year deal with the Chiefs, but already the 26-year-old admits he is settling in well to his new Westcountry surroundings.

Botha was head coach Rob Baxter’s eighth summer signing having just jetted in from South African Super Rugby franchise, the Lions, and will offer yet another attacking option to the Chiefs back three this term.

For Botha,...

Professional cycling stars past and present will help launch this year’s Devon Stage of the Friends Life Tour of Britain.

Chris Opie, of Rapha Condor JLT, and Dale Appleby, from NFTO Pro Cycling, will be joined by Devon based Olympian and former two-time British Road Race Champion Colin Lewis, on Friday (1 August), to check out parts of this year’s route and share their thoughts on the stage.

The Friends Life Tour of Britain will return to the county on Thursday 11 September, when the Devon Stage will start in Exmouth and finish in Exeter.

The Stage, hosted by Devon...

Exeter City succumbed to a 2-0 friendly defeat at St James Park against Premier League opposition in the shape of Swansea City.

City’s creative power certainly tested Swansea’s defence, but ultimately quality prevailed in the scoreline.

Goals either side of the break by Bafetimbi Gomis and Josh Sheehan were enough for the visitors to seal a pre-season win at the Park, although David Wheeler hit the bar in the first half too.

Under-18 midfielder Alex Byrne was again named in the squad, as he took a seat on the bench next to trialist Christian Ribeiro.

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Barely will the Grecians have touched down in the UK before they have to move on to the next – a visit of Swansea City at St James Park tomorrow (Tuesday 29 July, ko 7.15).

The tour of Brazil provided plenty of useful experience to Paul Tisdale’s young Exeter side, and now the team need to put that into practice back on home soil.

The Swans were visitors a year ago in pre-season, and have returned to the South West again as part of their preparation for another Premier League campaign. The faced Plymouth Argyle on Sunday and then move on to meet AFC Bournemouth on Friday...