Exeter Rugby Club

Residents from the Mid-Devon village of Clyst Hydon near Cullompton, are celebrating the news that their cherished local pub, the Five Bells Inn , has been saved from closure following a month of strong campaigning.

Paul Parnell, owner and landlord of the hugely successful Jack in the Green pub and restaurant at Rockbeare has acquired the lease to run the Five Bells Inn through an arrangement with Exeter-based property consultants Grenadier Estates . It will reopen in the summer following an extensive refurbishment.

The Grade II listed inn suddenly closed when the owners...

Exeter Chiefs fly-half Will Haydon-Wood has signed a new deal with the club.

The 25-year-old has provided indispensable cover at both fly-half and centre this season as Chiefs have put together competitive campaigns across three competitions.

Haydon-Wood said: “I’m excited to see what my future holds after re-signing at Exeter.

“I feel like I have settled in the South West with the club being a very tight-knit group, and that is now translating into on-pitch performances this season.

“Being part of a team that is striving to win trophies was a huge part...

Exeter Chiefs fly-half Harvey Skinner has committed his future to wearing the number 10 as he signs a new two-year contract with the club.

The Chiefs centurion has been enjoying a stellar campaign since establishing a new half-back partnership with Italian international scrum-half Stephen Varney. The pair have helped to shepherd Chiefs to an EPCR Challenge Cup quarter-final this weekend.

Skinner said: “I’m really happy to sign a new deal with the club, as I truly love playing here. I’m enjoying the connection we have among the group and the style of rugby we’re playing....

Exeter Chiefs have signed Bath Rugby full-back / fly-half Sam Harris on a two-year deal from the 2026/27 season.

The 22-year-old has made 14 senior appearances for Bath having graduated from the University of Bath with a sport and exercise science degree.

Harris said: “I’m really excited to be joining Exeter Chiefs. It’s a club with a strong identity, an amazing fan base and a record of competing at the highest level.

“After speaking with the coaches, I felt this was the right environment for a fresh start. I enjoy the style of rugby Exeter plays, and I’m...

Glen Townson has joined Exeter Chiefs as the men’s assistant forwards coach.

Formerly the academy transition coach with Bristol Bears, the former lock forward makes the move to Chiefs having been in his transition role with Bears since September 2022.

Townson said: “It has been a real ambition of mine to be a Gallagher PREM coach, and to get the chance to do it at the Chiefs, one of the most successful clubs in the last decade, a club with rich history, was an opportunity I had to take.

“I’m hoping to add experience to a strong coaching group and build on the...

Ricky Pellow has made the decision to leave the Exeter Chiefs coaching team after 16 seasons to spend more time with his family and explore other career opportunities.

The proud Cornishman joined Chiefs in 2009 as skills coach after retiring from his playing career during which he played scrum-half for Cornish Pirates and Worcester Warriors.

Pellow said: “I’ve had 16 amazing years here at the club, so it’s an emotional decision to leave but it is one that enables me and my family to experience a new adventure.

“I’ve made some unbelievable memories as a Chief....

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...