The sun blazed down on Sandy Park last Saturday afternoon, and for the first time in what felt like an eternity, the faithful supporters of Exeter Chiefs had genuine reason to believe again. A commanding 39-12 victory over Gloucester Rugby wasn’t just another win. It was a statement. It was validation. It was proof that the darkest chapter in the club’s modern history might finally be turning towards a brighter page.
Exeter Chiefs now sit third in the Gallagher Premiership table after five rounds of action, a position that would have seemed impossibly optimistic just six months ago. This is the same club that endured their worst-ever top-flight campaign last season, finishing second from bottom with only four wins. This is the same squad that suffered a humiliating club-record 79-17 defeat to Gloucester back in April. Yet here they are, transformed and revitalised, breathing life back into the championship conversation.
The Remarkable Turnaround
Saturday’s triumph at their Devon fortress was Exeter’s third bonus-point victory in the opening block of five matches. The performance showcased everything supporters had been yearning to see during last year’s nightmare campaign. Intensity. Precision. Belief. Above all, it demonstrated that Rob Baxter’s extensive summer overhaul had been exactly what the doctor ordered.
Henry Slade was the architect of destruction, scoring two tries whilst racking up 22 points overall. In doing so, the England centre crossed a milestone that only a select few achieve in their careers. He surpassed 1,000 points for the Chiefs, cementing his legacy as one of the club’s all-time greats. Slade received a standing ovation from the Sandy Park faithful when he departed the field in the 74th minute, a moment that encapsulated both individual brilliance and collective resurgence.
The match itself told the story of two clubs moving in opposite directions. Gloucester arrived in Devon still searching for their first victory of the campaign, hampered by an injury crisis that had robbed them of 11 players. They briefly threatened with an early Will Joseph try that levelled proceedings at 7-7. But once Exeter found their rhythm, there was only one winner.
Joseph Dweba powered over from a driving maul after just five minutes to set the tone. Slade then added his first try, showing the kind of sharpness and decision-making that earned him international recognition. England winger Immanuel Feyi-Waboso continued his spectacular form, goose-stepping through defenders to score one-handed in the corner. His conversion meant Slade officially joined the 1,000-point club, a feat that speaks volumes about longevity and consistency at the highest level.
The Henry Slade Factor
When discussing Exeter’s resurgence, it’s impossible to overlook the impact of Henry Slade. The 31-year-old has been in scintillating form, scoring four tries in his last two home matches and accumulating 45 points in the process. Against Harlequins the previous weekend, he contributed 23 points in a dominant 38-0 victory. Against Gloucester, he added another 22.
Slade’s performances haven’t just caught the attention of Chiefs supporters. England head coach Steve Borthwick has been watching closely as the autumn internationals approach. With Australia visiting Twickenham soon, Slade has staked a compelling claim for inclusion in the national squad. His all-round display against Gloucester featured not just tries and conversions, but also intelligent distribution, defensive solidity and the kind of game management that comes from years of experience.
“The energy and the feel around the place is really good,” Slade told BBC Sport after Saturday’s win. “Ever since we came in for pre-season, it’s been so positive and boys have been working hard in fantastic shape. I think you’re seeing that performances are translating. We’re really enjoying rugby at the minute.”
That enjoyment is palpable. Last season, Exeter often looked like a team going through the motions, weighed down by expectation and struggling to find their identity. This season feels completely different. There’s a lightness about their play, a freedom that allows individual talent to flourish within a cohesive team structure.
Feyi-Waboso’s Electric Form
Alongside Slade, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso has emerged as one of the Premiership’s most exciting players. The 22-year-old medical student balances his rugby commitments with studying at the University of Exeter, yet somehow finds time to terrorise opposition defences with his electrifying pace and footwork.
Feyi-Waboso’s try against Gloucester was his seventh Premiership score of the season, placing him among the league’s top try scorers. His performance earned praise from director of rugby Rob Baxter, who believes the young winger can become the competition’s leading scorer this campaign.
“The truth is he’s a world-class athlete,” Baxter said earlier in the season. “He has the ability to change the game. What is encouraging is that we are providing him with chances.”
The Wales-born winger’s journey to Exeter has been unconventional. He began at Cardiff Blues academy before signing with Wasps, only for that club’s administration to provide an unexpected opportunity at Sandy Park. Since arriving, he’s flourished, earning England recognition and winning the Premiership’s Breakthrough Player of the Year award last season. He was also named RPA Young Player of the Season, voted for by his fellow professionals.
Beyond rugby, Feyi-Waboso’s achievements extend into wider recognition. He was recently named in the Sunday Times’ list of the 30 most powerful people under 30 in the UK, joining luminaries from various fields including Formula One driver Lando Norris and footballer Cole Palmer. It’s a testament to his ability to excel both on the field and in the classroom.
The Wallabies Connection
Exeter’s summer recruitment has proven transformative. The signings of Australian internationals Len Ikitau and Tom Hooper have added genuine world-class quality to the squad. Both players featured in the Rugby Championship before arriving in Devon, bringing experience and physicality that was sorely lacking last season.
Ikitau, at 26, has established himself as one of the Wallabies’ most reliable centres. With more than 40 international caps and over 100 combined appearances for the Brumbies and Australia, he brings defensive solidity and sharp attacking instincts. His partnership with Slade in the midfield offers Exeter a formidable combination of youth and experience, flair and substance.
Making his debut against Harlequins, Ikitau slotted seamlessly into the team structure. His presence allows Exeter to play a more varied attacking game, with options both in hand and through the distribution channels. The Australian signed with Rugby Australia’s blessing, with the arrangement including provisions for his continued development ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Tom Hooper, at 23, represents one of Australia’s brightest back-row prospects. Having started all six matches during the Wallabies’ Rugby Championship campaign, he arrived at Sandy Park battle-hardened and ready to contribute immediately. His versatility across the back row and second row gives Baxter valuable tactical flexibility.
“We’re delighted to have signed Tom,” Baxter said upon announcing the signing. “A young international who is a big, abrasive back-five forward, we see him having the opportunity to play across our back row but cover second row as well. He’s got a lot of the attributes that are really important in Premiership rugby.”
Both Australians have integrated quickly, with teammates praising their professionalism and willingness to embrace the Chiefs’ culture. Their arrival sends a clear message about Exeter’s ambitions. Despite last season’s struggles, the club remains an attractive destination for top-tier talent.
Rob Baxter’s Reset
At the heart of Exeter’s transformation sits Rob Baxter, the longest-serving director of rugby in the Premiership. The 54-year-old Devon native has been associated with the club for over 50 years, first as a ball boy, then as a player for 14 years, and now as the architect of their modern success.
Last season tested Baxter like never before. The club’s worst campaign in their top-flight history included just four wins, a torrent of heavy defeats, and mounting criticism about coaching methods and player recruitment. The nadir arrived in April when Gloucester inflicted that 79-17 humiliation at Kingsholm, a result that prompted immediate action.
Long-serving coaches Ali Hepher and Rob Hunter were suspended and subsequently departed. Defence coach Omar Mouneimne was sacked in October 2024 after the team’s worst-ever start to a Premiership season, having lost all six opening matches. Baxter himself took a more hands-on role with the squad, stepping back into front-line coaching to arrest the decline.
“We have a new group in the coaching office, and there are various new players in the squad,” Baxter explained ahead of this season. “Our pre-season approach has likely shifted a bit, and we’re experimenting with different strategies on the field, which gives it a fresh feel.”
That fresh feel has translated into results. Dave Walder arrived as backs coach, bringing new ideas and energy. Haydn Thomas, previously with the University of Exeter and England U20s, took over defensive responsibilities. The coaching reshuffle complemented the player recruitment, creating an environment where standards could be reset and expectations recalibrated.
Baxter’s philosophy has always centred on culture and development rather than simply buying success. He speaks often about the “Exeter way” – a commitment to hard work, unity and continuous improvement. Last season, those values appeared to fray. This season, they’re back at the forefront.
“For me personally, my biggest motivation right here and now is to see where we can go with this group of players,” Baxter said during the summer. “I want to look back in a few years’ time and be able to say this year was the year that made this team.”
The Jack Yeandle Leadership
Club captain Jack Yeandle embodies everything Exeter Chiefs represents. The 35-year-old hooker, a Devon native who supported the club as a youngster at the old County Ground, has been at the heart of every major achievement in the modern era.
Yeandle took over the captaincy in 2015 when Dean Mumm departed for Australia. Since then, he’s led the team through two Premiership title triumphs, a European Champions Cup victory, and multiple finals appearances. His try against Gloucester on Saturday demonstrated that even at 35, he remains a vital component of the squad.
“Jack is one of those players who has been here, experienced it all, and accomplished much with Exeter Chiefs,” Baxter said earlier this year when Yeandle signed a new contract. “He is undoubtedly one of the leaders who has significantly influenced the culture here. The one thing he will do, and always has done, is turn up in pre-season training with the highest standards, the best fitness levels and works the hardest.”
With over 300 appearances and 34 tries to his name, Yeandle represents continuity in a squad that has undergone significant change. His leadership has been crucial during the turbulent transition from last season’s despair to this campaign’s optimism.
Sandy Park: The Fortress Mentality Returns
Sandy Park has been Exeter’s home since 2006, replacing the historic County Ground that had served the club for over a century. The purpose-built facility on the outskirts of the city, conveniently located at Junction 30 of the M5, can accommodate 15,600 spectators and features state-of-the-art conference and banqueting facilities.
The stadium has witnessed some of English rugby’s most memorable moments. It hosted two matches during the 2015 Rugby World Cup and will do so again during the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup. More importantly for Chiefs supporters, it’s been the venue for countless victories and the development of a genuine fortress mentality.
Last season saw that fortress breached too often. This season, the old impenetrability is returning. The back-to-back home victories over Harlequins and Gloucester, both featuring bonus points, suggest that visiting teams will once again find Sandy Park an inhospitable environment.
The crowd plays a significant role. On Saturday, supporters created an atmosphere that lifted the players and suffocated the opposition. When Slade departed in the 74th minute to that standing ovation, it felt like a mutual appreciation society. The fans recognising a legend’s achievement, the player acknowledging the supporters who’ve stood by the club through thick and thin.
Historical Context: From County Ground to European Champions
To fully appreciate Exeter Chiefs’ current resurgence, one must understand the club’s remarkable journey. Formed in 1871, initially as Exeter Football Club, the organisation has evolved from a local amateur outfit to one of European rugby’s powerhouses.
For most of their existence, Exeter operated in rugby’s lower tiers, moving between grounds and building a loyal local following. The transformation began in the late 1990s when the English game turned professional. Local businessman Tony Rowe took charge as chairman, implementing a business structure and securing crucial financial backing.
The progression accelerated under Rob Baxter’s coaching. In 2010, the club won promotion to the Premiership for the first time, defeating Bristol in a two-legged playoff final. That achievement alone represented the culmination of decades of effort. What followed exceeded even the most optimistic predictions.
Exeter established themselves in the top flight with surprising speed. By 2016, they reached their first Premiership final, losing narrowly to Saracens. The following year brought redemption. At Twickenham on 27 May 2017, Gareth Steenson’s extra-time penalty secured a 23-20 victory over Wasps, delivering the club’s first major trophy.
The 2016-17 triumph marked the beginning of a golden era. Exeter reached the Premiership final again in 2018, losing once more to Saracens. They returned in 2019-20 and achieved something unprecedented in the club’s history – a domestic and European double.
First came the European Rugby Champions Cup final on 17 October 2020 at Ashton Gate in Bristol. Exeter defeated Racing 92 31-27 in a thriller that went down to the final seconds. Luke Cowan-Dickie, Sam Simmonds and Harry Williams scored tries, but it was the team’s defensive resilience that ultimately prevailed. Even down to 14 men after Tomas Francis received a late yellow card, they held firm.
One week later at Twickenham, Exeter faced Wasps again in the Premiership final. In torrential rain, they ground out a 19-13 victory, with Henry Slade’s try and Joe Simmonds’ metronomic kicking proving decisive. It completed an historic achievement – the first time Exeter had won both trophies in the same season.
Those successes established Exeter as genuine heavyweights. They became the only club to have won all four tiers of English rugby: the Premiership, RFU Championship, National League 1 and National League 2 South. They also lifted the Anglo-Welsh Cup three times and were perennial top-four contenders.
The Fall and the Lessons Learned
What made last season’s collapse so shocking was its rapidity. From European champions in 2020 to second-from-bottom four years later seemed inconceivable. Yet the warning signs had been accumulating.
Exeter hadn’t reached a Premiership final since 2020. Key players departed or retired. The squad’s age profile increased without sufficient regeneration. Opponents figured out their driving maul and pick-and-go tactics. The defence, once an impenetrable wall, became porous.
The statistics from 2024-25 made grim reading. Just four wins from 18 matches. A points difference of minus-125, the worst in the league except bottom-placed Newcastle. Defensive frailties saw them concede an average of 29 points per game. They were the first team to lose to Newcastle in 15 months, a result that crystallised the extent of the crisis.
“Last year, there’s no getting away from it – it was terrible,” Slade admitted before this season began. “Everyone is eager to move past last year and embark on a new journey this season. The pre-season has seen everyone arrive with renewed energy and enthusiasm.”
The summer clearout was brutal but necessary. Fifteen players departed, including experienced internationals like Jacques Vermeulen, Dan Frost, Joe Hawkins and Stuart Townsend. In their place came younger talents and targeted international signings. The coaching staff was overhauled. Standards were reset.
Baxter spoke candidly about the need to “grow up” as a squad, to take responsibility rather than blaming external factors. His message was clear: excellence doesn’t happen by accident. It requires daily commitment, mental toughness and collective accountability.
The Women’s Team Rising
While the men’s team endured their struggles, Exeter Chiefs Women have been building their own legacy. Formed in 2019 to compete in the Premier 15s (now Premiership Women’s Rugby), they quickly established themselves as competitive forces.
The women’s team opened their 2025-26 PWR campaign with a 24-12 victory at Trailfinders, demonstrating the growing strength of the programme. Players like Claudia MacDonald, who represents England, and Canadian international Daleaka Rogers give the squad genuine international quality.
Head coach Steve Salvin has built a squad that blends experienced internationals with promising youngsters. The addition of Amy Rule, a world-class tighthead prop, and Italy international Francesca Granzotto strengthens their credentials. They play at Sandy Park, benefiting from the same facilities and support structure as the men’s team.
“After an exciting summer of sport for women in this country, the PWR season will definitely begin with a bang for us,” Salvin said before the season. “These will be tough games but the kind of fixtures we have been looking forward to.”
The women’s team represents Exeter’s commitment to rugby at all levels. Their presence enhances the club’s community engagement and provides pathways for female players across Devon and Cornwall.
The Road Ahead: November and Beyond
Exeter’s next challenge arrives on 14 November when they travel to face Sale Sharks at the Salford Community Stadium. That match will be their first after an international break that sees several Chiefs players joining England camps.
The break comes at an opportune moment. It allows the squad to rest, recharge and consolidate the progress made during the opening block of fixtures. Baxter will use the time to further embed new players and refine tactical approaches.
When they return, a demanding fixture list awaits. The Premiership campaign resumes in earnest, with Champions Cup commitments also on the horizon. Every match matters in a competition where the top eight qualify for playoffs and European spots are at stake.
The current third-place position represents a remarkable turnaround. Bath lead the table with 21 points from five games, followed by Northampton on 23 points. Exeter’s 19 points put them ahead of fourth-placed Saracens and well clear of mid-table congestion. It’s a platform to build upon, not a destination.
“We could easily, with some hard work and positive performances, be in and around that top four after the opening block,” Baxter said earlier in the season. “That would be a fantastic place for us to be in after five games when you consider where we were at this stage last year.”
The contrast couldn’t be starker. At this point last season, Exeter hadn’t won a match. This season, they’ve collected three victories and a draw, accumulating crucial bonus points along the way.
The Championship Credentials
Are Exeter genuine title contenders? It’s early to make definitive judgements, but the signs are encouraging. Their attacking game looks more varied and dangerous than last season. The defence, whilst still a work in progress, has improved markedly. Team spirit and confidence are palpably higher.
However, significant challenges remain. Bath look formidable, combining flair with forward power. Northampton are defending champions with multiple Test players. Bristol, Leicester, Saracens and Gloucester all harbour ambitions. The Premiership’s competitive nature means no team can relax.
Exeter’s strength lies in their squad depth and development pathway. The academy continues to produce talented youngsters who understand the club’s culture. The coaching staff, despite the changes, maintains continuity through Baxter’s enduring presence. The facilities and supporter base provide stable foundations.
Most importantly, the belief is back. Supporters attending Sandy Park no longer do so with trepidation. Players approach matches with confidence rather than anxiety. The organisation feels unified in purpose and direction.
“It certainly feels different, because it is,” Baxter said at the season’s start. “If I were a player who experienced last season, I would eagerly anticipate the start of this season to demonstrate my capabilities.”
That demonstration is well underway. Every victory, every bonus point, every individual milestone contributes to the collective resurgence. The journey from despair to hope rarely follows a straight line, but Exeter appear to have found their direction.
A Club Reconnecting With Its Identity
Perhaps the most significant aspect of Exeter’s revival is the reconnection with their identity. During last season’s struggles, the club seemed to lose sight of what made them successful. They became conservative, predictable and lacking in personality.
This season feels different because the Chiefs are playing with freedom and expression. They’re backing their skills, taking risks and enjoying their rugby again. That enjoyment translates into performances that entertain supporters and trouble opponents.
The emphasis on youth development hasn’t been abandoned despite the high-profile international signings. Young players like Greg Fisilau, Ethan Roots and Ross Vintcent continue to feature prominently. The academy-to-first-team pathway remains vital to the club’s long-term sustainability.
Baxter speaks often about building teams rather than simply assembling talented individuals. The culture he’s fostered over 15 years prioritises collective success above personal glory. It’s why players like Slade and Yeandle remain committed to the club when they could pursue opportunities elsewhere.
“Everyone at the club is proud to see hard work – both on the rugby field and at university – be recognised,” Baxter said about Feyi-Waboso’s Sunday Times recognition. “We’re certain he’ll remain dedicated to his rugby and educational journeys.”
That pride extends throughout the organisation. From the groundskeepers at Sandy Park to the commercial team, from the academy coaches to the board of directors, everyone shares responsibility for the club’s fortunes. When Exeter wins, it’s a collective achievement. When they struggle, it’s a shared burden.
The Supporter Experience
For supporters who endured last season’s trials, this campaign offers redemption. Every trip to Sandy Park no longer carries the weight of inevitable disappointment. The atmosphere has transformed from resignation to expectation.
Saturday’s crowd witnessed not just a victory but a validation of their loyalty. Through the darkest days, they continued attending matches, continued supporting their team, continued believing that better days would come. Those better days have arrived.
The standing ovation for Slade represented something beyond celebrating a personal milestone. It symbolised the bond between club and community, the shared journey from amateur origins to professional excellence, the pride in local heroes achieving remarkable things.
Exeter remains, at heart, a community club. Despite the professional structures and commercial demands, the connection to Devon and Cornwall endures. Many current players grew up supporting the Chiefs. Many supporters have followed the club for decades, through countless grounds and multiple divisions.
That connection creates something special at Sandy Park. Visiting teams feel it. The noise, the passion, the unwavering support creates an atmosphere that lifts home players and intimidates visitors. It’s been missing too often in recent seasons. Its return marks another sign of resurgence.
Looking to the Future
As Exeter Chiefs head into the international break sitting third in the Premiership table, optimism abounds. The transformation from last season’s struggles to this campaign’s promise has been remarkable. Yet nobody within the organisation is getting carried away.
Baxter knows better than most how quickly fortunes can change in professional rugby. The difference between winning and losing often comes down to fine margins – a refereeing decision, an injury at a crucial moment, a bounce of the ball. Sustained success requires constant vigilance, continuous improvement and unwavering commitment.
The rebuild remains a work in progress. New signings need time to fully integrate. Young players require development and patience. Tactical systems must evolve to match opposition strategies. The challenging fixtures ahead will provide sterner tests than the opening block.
But for now, Exeter can enjoy the moment. They can savour Slade’s 1,000-point milestone, Feyi-Waboso’s electrifying tries, the Wallabies’ seamless integration and that commanding victory over Gloucester. They can look at the Premiership table and see their name in third place, exactly where it belongs.
The resurgence of Exeter Chiefs represents more than sporting revival. It’s a story about resilience, about learning from failure, about never losing faith in your principles. It’s about a director of rugby who refused to abandon the culture he’d spent decades building. It’s about players who fronted up to their shortcomings and committed to improvement. It’s about supporters who never wavered in their backing.
Most of all, it’s about a rugby club reconnecting with its essence. The Chiefs are back, and English rugby is better for it. The road ahead remains long and challenging, but they’re walking it with renewed purpose and justified belief. Sandy Park is rocking again. Devon’s finest are on the march. And this time, they’re determined to stay at the summit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Exeter Chiefs’ current position in the Premiership?
Exeter Chiefs currently sit in third place in the Gallagher Premiership table after five rounds of matches. They have accumulated 19 points through three wins, one draw and one loss, marking a remarkable turnaround from last season’s struggles when they finished second from bottom.
Who are the key players driving Exeter’s resurgence this season?
Henry Slade has been instrumental, recently surpassing 1,000 points for the club and scoring four tries in his last two home matches. England winger Immanuel Feyi-Waboso has been electric with seven Premiership tries this season. Australian internationals Len Ikitau and Tom Hooper have also made immediate impacts since joining from the Wallabies set-up.
What caused Exeter Chiefs’ poor performance last season?
Exeter endured their worst-ever top-flight campaign in 2024-25, winning just four matches and finishing ninth out of ten teams. The decline was attributed to an ageing squad, tactical predictability, defensive frailties and a loss of the culture that had brought previous success. The club suffered their record defeat, losing 79-17 to Gloucester in April 2025.
What changes has Rob Baxter made to turn things around?
Director of rugby Rob Baxter implemented a comprehensive overhaul during the summer. Fifteen players departed, including experienced internationals. The coaching staff was restructured with defence coach Omar Mouneimne sacked and new faces like Dave Walder brought in. Australian stars Len Ikitau and Tom Hooper were signed, whilst Baxter took a more hands-on coaching role to reset standards and culture.
Where can I watch Exeter Chiefs play at home?
Exeter Chiefs play their home matches at Sandy Park, located at Junction 30 of the M5 motorway in Exeter, Devon. The stadium holds 15,600 spectators and features modern facilities including conference and banqueting centres. Match tickets can be purchased through the official Exeter Chiefs website, with season tickets offering the best value for regular supporters.
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