As copies of the local Var-Matin newspaper flittered from high in the stands of Toulon’s Stade Felix Mayol, so it seems the hopes of Exeter Chiefs qualifying for the latter stages of this season’s Heineken Cup followed suit.
Heroic efforts against reigning champions Toulon have certainly been notable, but the back-to-back defeats have left Devon’s finest well adrift of their star-studded French rivals in Pool Two.
Bernard Laporte’s star-studded side not only returned to the summit of the group, but their five-point haul has ensured they...
Rob Baxter believes his Exeter Chiefs side have learnt plenty in the aftermath of their narrow Heineken Cup defeat at home to holders RC Toulon last weekend.
Just days after that 14-9 loss at a packed Sandy Park, Baxter sends his troops back into battle against the star-studded French outfit tomorrow knowing that his team are certainly capable of claiming their biggest-ever scalp.
For long periods last Saturday, Devon’s finest more than held their own against a Toulon squad, which included 825 international caps and was led on the field by England World Cup winner Jonny...
They say that cream always rises to the top and so it proved as Jonny Wilkinson put the seal on a hard fought 14-9 victory for reigning Heineken Cup champions Toulon over hosts Exeter Chiefs at Sandy Park.
Just over ten years have elapsed since the talented playmaker dropped a goal in Sydney to win England their first and only Rugby World Cup.
Present day in Devon and the 34-year-old was at it again as his late three-pointer ensured the star-studded Frenchman escaped with a slender advantage over their industrious Westcountry hosts.
Irishman Ian Whitten is looking forward to exciting times ahead after he became the latest Exeter Chiefs player to commit his future to the Aviva Premiership club.
The 26-year-old back follows club-mate Jack Yeandle in agreeing terms on a new two-year contract to remain at Sandy Park.
Signed in the summer of 2012 from Ulster, Irish international Whitten has settled well to life in the Westcountry, establishing himself as a prominent member of Rob Baxter’s first-team squad.
To date, Lisburn-born Whitten has featured 34 times for the club, either in the centre or on...
Phase One of Exeter Rugby Club’s multi-million pound redevelopment of their Sandy Park Stadium is to begin early in the New Year, officials have today confirmed. After months of behind the scenes activity, including raising in excess of £7.5m through the Exeter Chiefs 2020 Bond, the green light has now been given for the planned works to begin. Earlier this year the Chiefs unveiled their ambitious, long-term plans to transform Sandy Park into a state-of-the-art stadium that would not only see the ground capacity double to that of 20,600 – but also involve the building of three new...
Jack Yeandle has spoken of his delight as he today agreed a new two-year contract with hometown club Exeter Chiefs.
Signed during the summer of 2012 from Championship side Doncaster Knights, the hooker has adapted well to life another rung up the league ladder in English rugby - establishing himself as a first-team regular in Rob Baxter's Chiefs squad.
However, Yeandle remains hugely ambitious and with his future in Devon secured until 2015 at the very least, the talented forward is keen to push his game to new levels.
Exeter Chiefs forward James Phillips has today joined Championship side Cornish Pirates on an initial one-month loan.
The 26-year-old is heading down to the Mennaye Field not only to gain value game time, but also help bolster the Pirates who have incurred a spate of injuries to their pack in recent weeks.
Since joining the Chiefs in 2010 from hometown club Bristol, Phillips has amassed 44 appearances for the club in all competitions, scoring six tries in the process.
However, a number of unfortunate injuries and the form of others have meant his Sandy Park career...
Exeter Chiefs may have huffed and puffed, but ultimately they could not blow over Aviva Premiership leaders Saracens in a hard fought encounter at Sandy Park.
In a compelling fixture – one in which neither side were willing to give an inch throughout – Saracens withstood a late attacking onslaught from their Devon hosts to record a notable scalp on the road.
Prior to this engagement, just Northampton Saints and Leicester Tigers had prospered in 2013 from league visits to the Westcountry, so it was only right Saracens were pleased as punch...
With the LV= Cup put on the back burner until the New Year, Exeter Chiefs head coach Rob Baxter says he and his team are relishing getting back into the "bread and butter" of the Aviva Premiership tomorrrow.
After seven rounds of action in English rugby's top flight, the Chiefs not only find themselves happily positioned within the division's top four, but with five victories already accrued following a promising opening to the campaign.
This weekend, however, Devon's finest will be up against this season's pacesetters in Saracens, whose sole blemish in a so far impressive...
