Sandy Park

Baxter names Chiefs side to face Glasgow

Exeter Chiefs head coach Rob Baxter has called on his side to “front up” for their final pre-season test against Glasgow Warriors at Sandy Park tomorrow (3pm).

With warm-up victories over Scarlets (23-15) and Bristol (51-7) already secured in the past fortnight, the Chiefs will be looking to maintain their 100 per cent record against the visiting Scotsmen.

With just over a week to go until Exeter’s Aviva Premiership opener at Northampton Saints, Baxter hopes to use this latest work-out as the perfect preparation tool ahead of their 2013-14 campaign.

“It’s a good...

Hayes predicts a stern test from Glasgow

Tom Hayes expects a real shift in focus from the Exeter Chiefs over the coming week as the countdown to the new Aviva Premiership draws ever closer, writes Mark Stevens.

The Devon club will wrap up their pre-season programme this Saturday when they welcome Glasgow Warriors to Sandy Park (3pm) – and just one week before they kick-off their league opener away to Northampton Saints.

Having overcome Scarlets (23-15) and Bristol (51-7) in their opening two friendlies, Irishman Hayes expects the visiting Scotsmen to pose a stern test in the club’s final work-out.

“We...

Big Chief relishing his new challenge

Exeter Chiefs newcomer Romana Graham says he is “excited” by the challenge that lies ahead after he became the latest addition to the playing ranks at Sandy Park. The imposing 6ft 7in, 117kg forward, who is Rob Baxter’s seventh signing ahead of the new 2013/14 season, has arrived in Devon following five years playing with the New Zealand-based Chiefs in the Super 15, as well as provincial side Waikato whom he helped lift the Ranfurly Shield last year. An athletic forward, who is not only highly skilled and strong aerially, Graham’s capture provides the Chiefs with another experienced...

There's still work to do despite win says Baxter

Exeter Chiefs head coach Rob Baxter insists his side still have areas to work on ahead of the new season despite defeating Bristol 51-7 in their latest pre-season friendly at Sandy Park.

In a dominant display from the Premiership club, the Chiefs simply had too much for their Championship rivals as tries from Ben White, Ian Whitten, Tom Johnson, Fetu'u Vainikolo, Sam Townsend, Tom James and Henry Slade (2) secured a comfortable success.

Bristol countered with a late converted try through centre Fatua Otta, but that was to be a rare moment of joy on a tough afternoon in...

Phillips is all out to impress Baxter

Former Bristol player James Phillips will be looking to make a good impression against his old club for more than one reason.

As well as bragging rights, a place in the team for the first Premiership game of the season is up for grabs.

Having seen his campaign last season blighted by a knee injury sustained in the home game with Saracens, the imposing forward is now back to full fitness and keen to make up for lost time.

The Bristol-born star featured for 40 minutes in Exeter’s 23-15 friendly win at Scarlets and he will get another run out against his hometown club...

Network Central Show at Sandy Park in doubt after company director jailed for 6 months

The Network Central event due to take place at Exeter's Sandy Park in November has been thrown into disrepute following the sentencing of well-known Devon businessman and the event's organiser Rod Major. Mr Major has been jailed for acting in contravention to a ban on running a company and owing creditors a total of £126,000.

While awaiting sentencing, Mr Major is reported to have carried on the business from a base in Marsh Barton, Exeter. Major’s company Network Solutions ran events in Barnstaple, Plymouth, Torbay, Cornwall, Bridgwater and Taunton and was, until this morning,...

Devon to host annual national rural health conference

Devon has been selected to host this year’s national Rural Health Conference, being held at Sandy Park, Exeter, on Friday, 18 October.

Organised by the Rural Health Network, and supported by Devon County Council, the theme of this year’s conference is “Challenging Times – One Year On” – working together to deliver effective rural health services.

Councillor Andrea Davis, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for health and wellbeing said: “It’s an honour to be hosting this event, which is highly significant for Devon and its population, as one of the largest rural...

Share in the success of the Chiefs and Sandy Park

As one of the major success stories of Westcountry sport and business in recent years, an even brighter future exists for the Exeter Chiefs and their Sandy Park home.

Having positioned themselves as one of the top six clubs in English rugby, as well as establishing themselves as a force within the European game, the time has come for you to now share in the success story of the Chiefs.

At the same time, you can play your part in the future growth of Sandy Park, which since its construction in 2006 has established itself as one of the leading conferencing and banqueting...

Armand seals Chiefs move

Newcomer Don Armand has spoken of his "excitement" at the challenge that lies ahead after he completed his move to Aviva Premiership side Exeter Chiefs. The 24-year-old forward has agreed a two-year contract and joins the Devon club from South African Super 15 outfit Stormers. Armand, who can play either at lock or in the back-row, made his Super Rugby debut as an injury replacement in 2012 and has not looked back since. He was part of the squad that won the SA Conference, having earlier in the year tasted success with the DHL Western Province Vodacom Cup team and, later in 2012, helping...

James settling in nicely at Chiefs

Newcomer Tom James may only have been at Sandy Park a matter of weeks, but already the Welshman says he is settling in well to life with the Exeter Chiefs.

One of a a handful of new recruits brought in by head coach Rob Baxter during the close season, James is clearly keen to make his mark in English rugby having spent the past six seasons with the Cardiff Blues.

The challenge of tackling English rugby’s elite sides was a key factor in the 26-year-old’s decision to join the Chiefs – and he knows the hard work put in by himself and his new colleagues during the current pre-...

Pages