As staff were putting the final touches to displays inside the impressive new John Lewis bulding, outside was a different matter entirely.
With little over two days to go until opening, the area still resembles a building site where the pavements are being widened to make it much easier for pedestrians to cross between High Street and Sidwell Street.
As the rain poured down yesterday an army of contractors wearing flourescent jackets were working hard to complete the job on time. John Harvey, the city centre manager, confirmed they would be working late into the night to...
In the first instalment of his exclusive blog for The Exeter Daily, Chris Whitehead, the Exeter Chiefs hooker, finds himself banging his head on the (party) wall...
How do you deal with enormous highs and lows of being a professional sportsman? This weekend saw arguably the best victory of our season so far and yet I find myself devoid of any real excitement.
Is this down to not having any real involvement in the victory over the current champions (and no comments about the win and my absence being related please)? Maybe, but I can assure you the real reason for feeling...
Exeter Chiefs head coach Rob Baxter hailed his side as "exceptional" as they maintained their unbeaten home record in the Aviva Premiership with a comprehensive 42-28 victory over Harlequins at Sandy Park.
Undone seven days earlier by Leicester Tigers at Welford Road, the Chiefs bounced back from that setback by producing their best display of the season so far to record maximum points against last season's top flight champions.
In an absorbing contest from start to finish, the Devon club not only ran in five tries through Brett Sturgess, Ben White, Jason Shoemark (2) and...
Exeter Chiefs' head coach Rob Baxter says his team will have to produce a "big performance" if they are to overcome defending champions Harlequins in their latest Aviva Premiership fixture tomorrow (3pm).
Undone 30-8 at Leicester Tigers a week ago, Baxter is hoping for an immediate riposte from his side as they prepare to welcome Conor O'Shea's men to Sandy Park for the third time in the top flight.
Like the Chiefs, Harlequins also came unstuck last time out, losing their unbeaten tag...
Exeter Chiefs scrum-half Junior Poluleuligaga has today agreed to join Championship outfit Cornish Pirates on a short-term loan deal.
With the Pirates having been dealt an untimely blow with captain Gavin Cattle sustaining an injury in last Friday's 18-18 draw at Doncaster Knights, the Cornish club have moved swiftly to acquire the services of the talented 31-year-old Samoan international.
The Auckland-born number nine, who is now into his third season at Sandy Park, will head to the Duchy with at least a few familiar faces in tow as the Pirates have already dual-...
After a stellar debut season, Exeter Chiefs and winger Paul Brown-Bampoe have agreed a new contract extension.
It is no secret that the 23-year-old has enjoyed one of the strongest breakthrough seasons of recent years, as the youngster went from being on loan to Plymouth Albion to scoring against Bordeaux Begles in an Investec Champions Cup clash.
“I am delighted to be re-signing at Chiefs,” Brown-Bampoe said. “It’s an environment that has allowed me to grow both my understanding and passion for the game.
“The Chiefs faithful have accepted me as one of their own...
Exeter Chiefs Women have signed versatile forward Lola Whitley from Gloucester-Hartpury.
The 21-year-old is equally comfortable at lock and in the back-row and played for England U20s last year.
Initially more of a fan of athletics, 100 metres and high jump in particular, Whitley began playing rugby at Sudbury RFC aged 13 when a friend dragged her along to a game. She started off on the wing and scored 10 tries in that first match.
She said: “I was pretty awful, but I just loved running though people!”
Part of large girls’ programme at Sudbury, Whitley...
Exeter Chiefs back rower Jacques Vermeulen has agreed a move to Sale Sharks for the 2025/26 season.
The 30-year-old back-row forward will join Chiefs’ Gallagher Premiership opposition after six seasons as a Chief, during which time he was a trophy winner in the 2020 double for Exeter.
“As my time with the team comes to a close, I would like to take a moment to express how truly incredible this journey has been,” Vermeulen said.
“From the very first day, I was welcomed with open arms by each and every one of you, and together, we created something truly special...
Exeter Chiefs centre Will Rigg has extended his stay at Sandy Park as he signs a new Chiefs contract.
Signing from Championship club Coventry in February 2024, Rigg has since debuted in all top-flight competitions – the Premiership Rugby Cup, the Gallagher Premiership and the Investec Champions Cup.
“I’m really excited to re-sign with the club,” Rigg said. “Since joining last year, it’s been a really positive experience getting the chance to play in the Premiership and Europe. When the opportunity came to continue my journey with the Chiefs, I was extremely happy to be...
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...
