Exeter Chiefs

Sturgess bids farewell to Chiefs

Exeter prop Brett Sturgess has admitted it will be with a heavy heart that his bids farewell to the Chiefs at the end of the season.

The popular loosehead is set to bring the curtain down on his nine-year stay with the Devon club after today confirming this will be his last year as a professional player.

Signed during the summer of 2007 by then Exeter Director of Rugby, Pete Drewett, the 34-year-old forward has played an integral part in the rise of the Chiefs in recent years.

Initially starting out in the old National League One, Sturgess was not only part of the...

Yeandle wants response from Chiefs

Authored by Mark Stevens
Posted: Tue, 03/08/2016 - 11:09am

Exeter skipper Jack Yeandle says there must be a response of sorts from the Chiefs this weekend when they play host to Newcastle Falcons in the Aviva Premiership.

Rob Baxter’s side slipped to their fifth league defeat of the season on Sunday when they went down 31-27 against fellow play-off contenders Leicester Tigers at Welford Road.

The visitors fought back from a 31-6 deficit to grab a losing bonus point with the last play of the game, but Yeandle was far from what had occurred earlier in the match, particularly during the first half.

“Welford Road is always a...

Brown to depart Chiefs for France

Exeter Chiefs can confirm that prop Alex Brown is to leave at the end of the current season.

The 26-year-old tight-head, who signed for the Devon club during the summer of 2012 from Doncaster Knights, is to join French Pro D2 outfit Perpignan on a two-year deal.

Although Brown still had a year to run on his existing deal at Sandy Park, the Chiefs have agreed to release him from his contract by mutual consent.

Since making his first team debut against Leicester Tigers in September 2012, Brown has so far made 60 appearances for the club and was part of their LV= Cup...

Angry Baxter bemoans defeat

Authored by Mark Stevens
Posted: Mon, 03/07/2016 - 11:16am

A bit like the Incredible Hulk, you wouldn’t like to see him angry.

However, as Rob Baxter emerged for his post-match press conference, Exeter’s commander in chief was still seething with rage at what he had just seen.

His anger - it has to be said - was somewhat two-fold. Firstly, at his own side’s first half display, one in which they didn’t really ever hit second gear and secondly, more importantly, the performance of referee Matt Carley and his fellow officials.

Left bemused by a clutch of decisions throughout the contest, which the Tigers eventually won 31-27,...

Leicester Tigers 31 Exeter Chiefs 27

One thing that’s a given with Exeter Chiefs is that their fighting spirit will always be there in abundance.

The fact they showed it for only 40 minutes at Welford Road was the real disappointment for head coach Rob Baxter, who had to watch his side fight back from 31-6 down to rescue a losing bonus against Leicester Tigers.

Exeter’s hopes of moving back to the summit of the Aviva Premiership ahead of defending champions Saracens were thwarted by an impressive Tigers side, who themselves moved back into the play-off picture with this bonus point triumph.

Fly-half...

Chiefs side to face Leicester Tigers

Authored by Mark Stevens
Posted: Sat, 03/05/2016 - 12:08pm

Exeter Chiefs back coach Ali Hepher says his side will have to be on top form if they are to emerge triumphant from today's Sunday’s Aviva Premiership trip to Leicester Tigers (3pm).

The second-placed Chiefs made it back-to-back victories in the league a week ago when they defeated local rivals Bath 26-17 at Sandy Park, but their credentials are sure to be tested to the max by the Tigers, who themselves remain firmly in the play-off picture having thumped London Irish last time out.

Nine points separate the two sides going into this weekend’s tussle at Welford Road and...

Horstmann signs for another year

Kai Horstmann’s his hunger to succeed within the game was a key factor in his decision to extend his stay with the Exeter Chiefs for a further year.

Brought to Devon during the summer of 2012 by head coach Rob Baxter, the experienced back-row forward has established himself as leading figure within the club following his move from top flight rivals Worcester Warriors.

Having chalked up just over 60 first team appearances for the Chiefs in all competitions, the 34-year-old will be hoping to add to that tally over the duration of his new contract. “I’m extremely excited to be...

Baxter praises all-round team effort

Authored by Mark Stevens
Posted: Mon, 02/29/2016 - 12:26pm

Head coach Rob Baxter hailed his Exeter Chiefs side as they saw off local rivals Bath Rugby to close the gap on leaders Saracens at the top of the Aviva Premiership.

Fresh from victory away to London Irish the week previous, the Devon club pocketed only their second-ever league win against Bath at a packed out Sandy Park.

Skipper Gareth Steenson was the chief architect of the home side’s 26-17 win, plundering four penalties and also converting tries for Ian Whitten and Kai Horstmann. The Irishman’s 16-point haul took him to 1,000 top flight points and edged him ever closer...

Exeter Chiefs 26 Bath Rugby 17

Exeter’s master marksman Gareth Steenson fired the necessary shots as the Chiefs gained revenge for their opening day loss to local rivals Bath Rugby by winning the return match-up at Sandy Park.

The Devon club cemented their place within the top two of the Aviva Premiership with a hard fought victory that saw Ian Whitten and Kai Horstmann cross for tries, while fly-half Steenson landed four penalties and two conversions.

Steenson’s 16-point haul not only edged him ever closer to Tony Yapp’s all-time club scoring record, but it put him on 1,000 Premiership points in his...

Chiefs side to face Bath Rugby

Authored by Mark Stevens
Posted: Sun, 02/28/2016 - 11:58am

Ali Hepher insists Exeter Chiefs will need to put in a “stellar home performance” if they are to emerge triumphant from Sunday’s Aviva Premiership encounter with Bath at Sandy Park (1pm).

Having accrued just one win in 11 previous top flight encounters against their nearest and dearest, the Chiefs are hoping to inflict further woe on Mike Ford’s side, who are surprisingly languishing ninth in the current standings.

Beaten last May in the Premiership Final by Saracens, Bath have struggled to replicate the kind of form which helped to propel them to Twickenham. With just four...

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