Exeter Chiefs

Johnson targets exciting year ahead

Exeter Chiefs star Tom Johnson believes the influx of new talent brought to Sandy Park this summer will only make the club stronger as they look to build ahead of the 2015/16 season.

The Devon club posted their best-ever finish in the Aviva Premiership last term, narrowly missing out on the end of season play-offs by virtue of an inferior points difference.

At the same time, Rob Baxter’s side reached a first-ever European semi-final, as well as being edged out right at the death by rivals Saracens in their attempts to defend their LV= Cup crown.

It was – according...

Exeter 'perfect setting' for European Sevens

Authored by Mary Youlden
Posted: Mon, 06/15/2015 - 12:24pm

Former Chiefs player Chris Cracknell believes Exeter offers the perfect setting for the final round of this season's European Grand Prix Sevens Series.

After earlier rounds in both Moscow and Lyon, the Devon city will be the final stop-off point next month (July 11-12) for Europe's top 12 Sevens teams as they prepare to do battle at Sandy Park.

With qualification for next year's Olympics in Rio de Janeiro also up for grabs for a number of the competing teams, Cracknell believes the Exeter event will be a real spectacle for rugby-loving supporters in the region.

"I...

Baxter delighted as McGuigan signs on

Rob Baxter believes there is “more to come” from Byron McGuigan after the talented back today agreed to extend his stay with the Exeter Chiefs for another year at least.

The 25-year-old Namibian was initially brought to Sandy Park last November following as injury cover for compatriot Chrysander Botha, who was ruled out for much of the campaign after breaking his leg whilst away on international duty.

However, McGuigan quickly settled to life in the Westcountry and by the end of the season had accrued 17 appearances in all competitions, scoring three tries in the process...

McGuigan agrees new Chiefs deal

Byron McGuigan has spoken of his delight after today agreeing terms on a new one-year deal with Aviva Premiership side Exeter Chiefs.

The 25-year-old Namibian is the latest name to commit his future to the Devon club, having initially arrived at Sandy Park on a short-term deal to cover compatriot Chrysander Botha.

McGuigan, who has previously played for Border Bulldogs, Glasgow Warriors and Bay of Plenty, featured 17 times for the Chiefs last season, scoring three tries - including one on the final day of the season against Sale Sharks.

His on-field displays...

Bodilly targets big year ahead

It's been quite a season for Exeter Chiefs youngster Max Bodilly, but already the young Cornishman is targeting what he hopes will be an even bigger 2015/16 campaign.

As one of the growing number of players to emerge from the Devon club's hugely successful Academy programme, the 20-year-old back is looking to follow in the studmarks of fellow young guns Jack Nowell, Henry Slade, Dave Ewers, Luke Cowan-Dickie and Sam Hill in making the leap into first team regulars.

Certainly the Truro-born youngster has already demonstrated that he has the qualities to perform at the top...

Ewers looks to the future

Authored by Mark Stevens
Posted: Sat, 05/23/2015 - 10:49pm

Exeter Chiefs back-row Dave Ewers has shrugged off the disappointment of missing out on a place in England’s 50-man World Cup training squad and insists his season has still been a success.

Despite overwhelming support from World Cup winner Neil Back after a fine season at Sandy Park, Ewers was omitted from Red Rose head coach Stuart Lancaster’s initial plans.

His efforts have not gone unnoticed elsewhere though, with Ewers among the five-man shortlist for the Green Flag forward of the season gong at the Aviva Premiership awards evening on Wednesday.

And though the...

Awards haul for Exeter Chiefs

Exeter Chiefs players were among the major winners at the 2015 Aviva Premiership Annual Awards Night held at the Hilton Park Lane on Wednesday night.

After another hugely successful season – on and off the field at Sandy Park – Henry Slade, Thomas Waldrom and departing skipper Dean Mumm were among those to pick up prizes at the glitzy ceremony.

On a night when many young players took centre stage the Land Rover Discovery of the Season award, for the best Under-23 player in Aviva Premiership Rugby, went to playmaker Slade.

The Plymouth-born back has emerged from an...

Chiefs trio in England training squad

Authored by Mark Stevens
Posted: Wed, 05/20/2015 - 12:13pm

England today announced their extended training squad for the Rugby World Cup 2015.

The 50-man group, which includes Exeter Chiefs trio Luke Cowan-Dickie (above), Jack Nowell and Henry Slade, will meet up at Pennyhill Park on Monday, June 22 to begin preparing for the tournament which starts against Fiji at Twickenham Stadium on Friday, September 18.

England will also face France home and away and Ireland at Twickenham as part of the QBE Internationals as they build towards RWC 2015.

England Head Coach Stuart Lancaster said: “We are excited to name this extended...

Mumm says his final goodbyes

Authored by Mark Stevens
Posted: Tue, 05/19/2015 - 12:47pm

It was with a heavy heart that Dean Mumm trudged down the players’ tunnel at Sandy Park for the final time on Saturday afternoon.

After three hugely successful years in Devon, two of which he has spent as skipper of the Exeter Chiefs, the 31-year-old is heading home to Australia to pursue a dream he thought had seemingly evaporated.

Set to return to former club the Waratahs, the vastly-experienced forward is hoping his return to Super Rugby will offer him the lifeline he needs to re-ignite a Wallabies career that to date has yielded 33 caps.

In what is...

Only way is up, says Jess

Authored by Mark Stevens
Posted: Mon, 05/18/2015 - 12:33pm

In the end the play-off dream fell just short, but already Exeter Chiefs winger Matt Jess is setting his sights highs for next season in the Aviva Premiership.

After 22 rounds of top flight battle, the Chiefs were narrowly edged out on points’ difference by rivals Leicester Tigers and Saracens for one of the two remaining play-off berths.

For Chiefs players, officials and supporters the emotions following their final-day 44-16 success over Sale Sharks were somewhat bittersweet. Rob Baxter’s side could have done no more on the day, producing a seven-try display that ensured...

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