Wilhelm Van Der Sluys has bid an emotional farewell to Exeter Chiefs, bringing to an end his two-season association with the Gallagher Premiership club.
The South African-born forward said his goodbyes to everyone at Sandy Park on Tuesday, before jetting back to his homeland to take up a contract offer with Super Rugby outfit, the Lions.
The 27-year-old was brought to Devon by Chiefs Director of Rugby Rob Baxter in July 2017 from the Kings initially on a one-year deal, but he did enough during that first season to convince Baxter to prolong his stay.
Fighting it out in the quest for valuable league points, by the time these two Premiership heavyweights wake-up tomorrow, the blood may have been vanished, but the scars of battle will still be clearly evident.
In the end, it was Exeter Chiefs who delivered the telling blows, maintaining their three-point lead at the top of the Gallagher Premiership by flooring rivals Sale Sharks for a second time this season.
First half tries from Ollie Devoto and Don Armand paved the way for their latest triumph, after which replacement...
Rob Baxter hopes a return to home comforts tomorrow will help provide him and his Exeter Chiefs with the perfect foundation from which to attack visiting Newcastle Falcons in the Gallagher Premiership (2:30pm).
Defeat away to Gloucester a week ago saw the Devonians surrender top spot in the division, albeit on points difference to defending champions Saracens, but Baxter believes being back on familiar surroundings can ensure normal service is resumed at the first attempt.
It's been six weeks since the Chiefs last ran out at home - that was against Castres in the Heineken...
Exeter Chiefs Director of Rugby Rob Baxter insists he’s edging ever closer to putting in place his squad for next season after two more of his current stars agreed new contracts with the club.
Having already tied up the futures of a number of his squad in recent weeks, scrum-half Stuart Townsend has committed his future to the club until at the least the summer of 2021 with a new two-year deal, while fellow number nine, Jack Maunder, has also penned a fresh one-year contract with the club.
The decision by the duo is yet more welcome news for Baxter, who believes the two...
Exeter Chiefs could be forgiven for thinking it was a case of deja vu as for the second successive season they were undone right at the death by rivals Gloucester in the Gallagher Premiership.
Whereas last season it was Jason Woodward who pounced in the dying embers, this time round it was Ben Morgan who inflicted the telling blow on Rob Baxter's side.
Morgan's late touchdown was not without controversy, however.
In the build-up to the England No.8 powering his way over just two minutes from the final whistle, it appeared Chiefs wing Tom O'Flaherty had been...
Guarantee your seat to watch the final day of the Guinness Six Nations on Sandy Park's top of the range HD screens.
As well as the international rugby playing on our four 4m x 2.25m screens, two 2.4m x 1.8m screens and five plasma TV screens, enjoy punditry from members of the Exeter Chiefs players.
You can reserve a table of 10, which are on sale for £140, or individual tickets can be booked for £15. Ticket price includes hot food on the day.
Book your tickets at www.tickethub.sandypark.co.uk
The next Comedy at the Park on Friday 26th April will be the South West heat of the Petfringe Comedian of the Year competition.
Nine of the best rising stars of comedy will perform for the chance of reaching the Grand Final and winning £10,001. The competition looks to support comedians who are funny week-in, week-out around the UK yet are often overlooked by other awards.
Professional comedian and industry judges will be present to help choose who goes through to the next round, but audience reaction also counts for 25% of the marks for each act!
Rob Baxter has called on his Exeter Chiefs side to show their 'fighting qualities' when they tackle rivals Gloucester tomorrow night in Round 13 of this season's Gallagher Premiership at Kingsholm (7:45pm).
Over a month has passed since the Chiefs last took to the field in top-flight action - that day they won 14-9 at home to Bristol Bears to maintain their position as the divisional frontrunner - and Director of Rugby Baxter has spoken of the excitement that exists within the camp ahead of this fourth meeting of the season against the Cherry & Whites.
Rob Baxter will tell you that his retention plans often outweigh that of a huge recruitment drive, such is his desire to ensure that continuity runs smoothly for both him and his players at Exeter Chiefs.
Having already ensured a number of the club’s star names are locked down for the next few years, the Chiefs Director of Rugby has spoken of his delight after two more first-team stars pledged their immediate futures to the Gallagher Premiership club.
Forwards Alec Hepburn, 25, and Jonny Hill, 24, are the latest to put pen to paper, both agreeing terms on two-year contract...
