Ceri Sweeney crowned his first-ever start in an Exeter Chiefs jersey by helping kick his new club to an opening round victory over holders Harlequins in this season’s LV= Cup. Signed in the summer from Cardiff Blues, the 33-year-old fly-half has had to play the waiting game to get his chance with the in-form Devon outfit – such has been the form of fellow playmakers Gareth Steenson and Henry Slade. However, given his chance to shine in the Anglo-Welsh tournament, Sweeney provided the guiding hand as his 14-point haul helped give the Chiefs the dream start. The former Welsh international...
After impressive showings in the Aviva Premiership and the Heineken Cup, Exeter Chiefs switch their attentions to the LV= Cup this afternoon with assistant forwards coach Rob Hunter insisting there is still “more to come” from his side this season.
A promising opening to the campaign has seen the Devon club not only position themselves within the Premiership’s top four clubs, but after two rounds of Europe they are also at the summit of a highly competitive Pool Two that also includes defending champions Toulon.
This weekend, however, both those competitions will be cast to...
This time last year Exeter Chiefs wing Jack Nowell burst onto the scene in the LV= Cup – and he’s determined to remind everyone of his talents again this weekend against Harlequins. The 20-year-old enjoyed a superb season last time out with the Chiefs before helping England Under-20s lift the Junior World Championship for the first time in their history. Two tries in Exeter’s LV= Cup clash with London Welsh last season gave Nowell a platform and he went on to make his Aviva Premiership debut two weeks later. The Chiefs, though, eager to avoid burnout, have kept Nowell under lock and key so...
The Exeter Daily reports with great sadness tonight that former Exeter Chiefs skipper and hero, Tom Hayes, has been forced to retire from the game with immediate effect.
The 33 year-old forward from Limerick, Ireland has had his hand forced by an ongoing struggle with back trouble.
Hayes can walk away from Sandy Park with his head held high and with fond memories of his time with the Chiefs, and what a time he's had. Tom has been at the heart of the club's successes since he arrived in Exeter in 2008 and will undoubtedly be sorely missed by fellow players, the coaches and...
Exeter Chiefs head coach Rob Baxter has today expressed his sadness at the news that former club captain Tom Hayes has been forced to retire from the game with immediate effect.
Irishman Hayes has confirmed a long-standing back injury has brought to an end his five-year stint with the Devon club – and that he will now be seeking a new challenge away from the professional game.
For Baxter, the departure of the experienced 33-year-old – who has amassed 136 games and six tries for the Chiefs – is certainly an untimely blow for the club, but instead of reflecting too much on...
Exeter Chiefs head coach Rob Baxter says he is ready to unleash a group of players this weekend who are "chomping at the bit" to get some competitive rugby under their belts.
After a testing nine-week block of action in both the Aviva Premiership and Heineken Cup, the Chiefs are now focusing their thoughts on this Saturday's opening LV= Cup encounter at home to holders Harlequins (3pm).
For those stars who have helped to propel the Devon outfit into the top four of the Premiership and also the summit of Pool Two in Europe, it's likely they will be given a well-earned break...
Sandy Park, home to the Exeter Chiefs, has today been confirmed as the venue for the final of this year's LV= Cup competition. The announcement was made at the Devon venue ahead of the launch of the 2013/14 tournament by former England international and LV= Cup ambassador Lewis Moody. The final, which will take place on Sunday, March 16, 2014, promises to not only showcase some of the best up and coming rugby talent in the country but provide a truly memorable experience for supporters. This season, LV= will be showcasing how rugby can bring people together and create a "rugby family”....
Hooker Jack Yeandle praised the defensive qualities of the Exeter Chiefs as they consolidated fourth place in the Aviva Premiership table with victory at Sale Sharks.
The Devon club made it five wins in six games in the top flight last Friday as Gareth Steenson's 18-point haul with the boot guided his side to a narrow 18-16 victory at the AJ Bell Stadium.
However, it was not just Steenson's lethal kicking which ensured victory for Rob Baxter's side - it was in defence where the visitors were equally as strong, repelling a strong second half display from the Sharks, who had...
Exeter Chiefs head coach Rob Baxter described his side’s latest Aviva Premiership win as “precious” as they consolidated their place in the top four with a hard fought 18-16 win at Sale Sharks. Irish fly-half Gareth Steenson did the damage in terms of points for the visitors as he punished the in-disciplined Sharks with an unblemished six from six at the target. Sale countered with three penalties of their own from Danny Cipriani, as well as a late converted try for winger Mark Cueto, but it was not enough to dent the inform Devonians. Afterwards, Baxter not only praised his team’s...
Dogged, disciplined and delirious – just three words you could easily use to sum up the latest Aviva Premiership victory for in-form Exeter Chiefs.
Tasked with overcoming Sale Sharks on their own turf in Salford, Rob Baxter’s side produced arguably their grittiest display of the campaign to earn a valuable four points on the road.
Unlike recent weeks where the Devon club have been happy to showcase their attacking prowess, this time they showed another side to their game as they dug deep into their defensive resolve. Fly-half Gareth...
