A new and exciting chapter in the history of Exeter Rugby Club has today been unveiled with the announcement that the ambitious Devon club are to create a new professional women’s team.
The team, which will be the club’s first-ever affiliated women’s team, will begin in earnest from this point with the view of tendering for a place within the Tyrrell’s Premier 15s League ahead of the 2020/21 season.
Exeter Chiefs newcomer Jannes Kirsten says he can’t wait to get to grips with English rugby after completing his move to the Gallagher Premiership club.
The 25-year-old, who is equally adept at lock or in the back-row, joins on a one-year deal from South African Super Rugby side, the Blue Bulls.
Brought in to help bolster options in the back five of the scrum – particularly with Jonny Hill, Tom Price and Will Witty all currently recovering from summer surgery – the arrival of the Johannesburg-born forward is timely for Chiefs’ Director of Rugby, Rob Baxter.
Exeter Chiefs have bolstered their ranks ahead of the new season by recruiting former Harlequins forward Stan South.
The 22-year-old, who can play either at lock or in the back-row, is Rob Baxter's fourth capture of the close season, joining the likes of Stuart Hogg, Tom Price and Will Witty in making the move to Sandy Park.
Exeter Chiefs newcomer Stuart Hogg won't have to wait long for a reunion with former club Glasgow Warriors after the two clubs were drawn alongside one another in today's Heineken Champions Cup draw in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Picked out as one of the five Tier One sides, the Chiefs have been drawn against the Warriors, French outfit La Rochelle and Gallagher Premiership rivals Sale Sharks in a highly competitive Pool 2.
Former internationals Bryan Habana and Dimitri Yachvili conducted the draw, which brings together the top 20 club sides in European Rugby.
Dave Dennis hopes to be part of a bright future at Sandy Park, this after he today put pen to paper on a new two-year deal with Gallagher Premiership leaders Exeter Chiefs.
Brought to Devon back in the summer of 2016 from his native Australia, the former Waratahs forward has already played a significant role in helping bring success and silverware to the Chiefs.
Rob Baxter hopes a return to home comforts tomorrow will help provide him and his Exeter Chiefs with the perfect foundation from which to attack visiting Newcastle Falcons in the Gallagher Premiership (2:30pm).
Defeat away to Gloucester a week ago saw the Devonians surrender top spot in the division, albeit on points difference to defending champions Saracens, but Baxter believes being back on familiar surroundings can ensure normal service is resumed at the first attempt.
Guarantee your seat to watch the final day of the Guinness Six Nations on Sandy Park's top of the range HD screens.
As well as the international rugby playing on our four 4m x 2.25m screens, two 2.4m x 1.8m screens and five plasma TV screens, enjoy punditry from members of the Exeter Chiefs players.
You can reserve a table of 10, which are on sale for £140, or individual tickets can be booked for £15. Ticket price includes hot food on the day.
Book your tickets at www.tickethub.sandypark.co.uk
The next Comedy at the Park on Friday 26th April will be the South West heat of the Petfringe Comedian of the Year competition.
Nine of the best rising stars of comedy will perform for the chance of reaching the Grand Final and winning £10,001. The competition looks to support comedians who are funny week-in, week-out around the UK yet are often overlooked by other awards.
Professional comedian and industry judges will be present to help choose who goes through to the next round, but audience reaction also counts for 25% of the marks for each act!
Rob Baxter has called on his Exeter Chiefs side to show their 'fighting qualities' when they tackle rivals Gloucester tomorrow night in Round 13 of this season's Gallagher Premiership at Kingsholm (7:45pm).
Over a month has passed since the Chiefs last took to the field in top-flight action - that day they won 14-9 at home to Bristol Bears to maintain their position as the divisional frontrunner - and Director of Rugby Baxter has spoken of the excitement that exists within the camp ahead of this fourth meeting of the season against the Cherry & Whites.
